180 THE EASTEEN HUNTERS. 



various water-courses the drainers of the spurs on 

 either flank helped to swell the torrent which, 

 during the monsoon, swept furiously down its 

 rocky bed, and fed the river in the valley below. 

 Indeed, it might be considered as its principal 

 source. 



The storm of the day before had left water lying 

 in various parts, and a trickling rill still, here and 

 there, found its way over and among the huge 

 boulders with which its bottom was plentifully 

 strewn, but hidden by the foliage, which was thick, 

 and in some parts impervious. 



" Why, Kugonauth," said Norman, as he inspected 

 the place from the top of a cliff, " I am afraid the 

 chances are much against our getting a beast to 

 break favourably out of so extensive a place. There 

 might be a dozen, and yet we not see one," 



" True word, Sahib," was the reply. " But what 

 is to be done \ I have watched this place every 

 morning, and have been unable to mark anything 

 down in it. But there are several fresh pugs about, 

 and perhaps a beast may show himself. The Sahib's 

 luck is great. I have much faith in it. If it be 

 destined that a tiger will eat your worship's bullets, 

 he will do so." 



"How do you intend to beat it ?" asked Norman. 



" I have sent one party of beaters to the top and 



