THE START OX THE "DOUR." 241 



jungle travelling, and was temporarily impressed 

 with a conviction that his destiny would be to 

 become tiger's meat. 



As there was no hurry, his prayer was acceded to. 



Long before dawn, the jabbering of servants, and 

 anon the unmusical noise of the camels as they 

 were being loaded, aroused the hunters, who, turning 

 round, anathematised the hubbub, and endeavoured 

 again to drop asleep. 



But soon the early cup of tea, brought to their 

 bedside, warned them it was time to be up and 

 doing themselves. 



A few of the villagers had been engaged to carry 

 the bedding consisting of a rug and couple of blan- 

 kets each a few cooking pots, a limited amount of 

 supplies, both edible and potable, and the small 

 quantity of linen and other necessaries requisite 

 during an absence of a couple of days ; for to that 

 space of time they proposed extending their " dour " 

 or flying expedition into the more unattainable part 

 of the hill country which they intended visiting. 



Rugonauth had gone there on the previous day, 

 with the object of examining the country during 

 the early morning, before the arrival of his masters. 



With the first streak of dawn the sportsmen 

 mounted their ponies, and in company with the line 

 of coolies each of whom carried his burden on his 



