220 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



some one of the numerous wild-beast tracks which 

 led over the ridge. Two of the hunters were ac- 

 cordingly detailed to guard that important line, the 

 third being stationed low down amidst the jungle 

 on the face of the hill, to prevent escape down into 

 the glen. Mackenzie and Norman undertook the 

 first-named duty a couple of hundred yards sepa- 

 rating them Hawkes the latter. Men were placed 

 at intervals in the upper part, while the bulk of the 

 beaters were thrown into the side opposite Macken- 

 zie and Norman. 



Bruin was soon disturbed, and sighted by a man 

 placed high up on the hill. It was telegraphed to 

 Hawkes that it was afoot pretty close to him, but, 

 owing to the thickness of the jungle, he was unable 

 to see it, and it soon made its way up the hill, 

 and rather bending from its original course, so as to 

 run parallel with the ridge ; but, before reaching it, 

 took one of the paths which led to the upper part 

 of the hill. Owing to the precautions taken of 

 having men placed there, however, the bears turned 

 and made towards Mackenzie, who was highest on 

 the ridge. Norman had been gradually moving up 

 towards him, as he was informed by the look-outs 

 on the neighbouring eminences that the beasts had 

 passed him, and were travelling up. The shouting 

 in >;o many different directions now seemed to con- 



