STEWED-EEL SOUP. 195 



waste it It was a little change. And in effect 

 each eventually consumed his portion, and that 

 without any violent effort to overcome repugnance 

 to it 



After the eel-soup was disposed of, another sur- 

 prise was in store for two of the party. Manuel, 

 the Portuguese servant, brought in and placed on 

 the table, with much complacency, a fine roasted 

 peafowl, about twice the size of the little dish on 

 which it was cunningly balanced. As he retreated 

 behind his master's chair, he looked fondly at the 

 bird, and then with much satisfaction round the 

 table. 



" Halloo ! where did this come from ? " inquired 

 Hawkes. " We seem to be in luck to-day." 



" Manuel shot it," replied Mackenzie. " I knew 

 this fellow, Norman, would be objecting to our 

 shooting any small game about, if I proposed it, for 

 fear of frightening away tigers and bears, so I left 

 one of my guns behind to-day for Manuel to try his 

 luck. Now, don't grumble, Norman, the deed is 

 done now." 



" Yes, sar," observed Manuel, who had been evi- 

 dently waiting in expectation of being questioned. 

 " Captain Sahib lend gun. I tell master I littly 

 good shot ; so go to the jungle with Baloo, and 



shoot two peacock and six fine pijuns. This one I 



o 2 



