246 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



precipitous walls of rock, so that it required no large 

 number to penetrate its recesses. 



Eugonautli confessed himself at fault, and advised 

 the sportsmen to sit up at night over a pool of 

 water, which he assured them was much frequented 

 by animals of all kinds. 



" That 's not a sort of sport I care much for," said 

 Mackenzie. " What do you fellows say ? '' 



" Neither do I, Mac," replied Norman ; " but I 

 am afraid it's our only chance of getting anything 

 in this interminable jungle.'' 



" And then the tiger seems to be such a whopper, 

 by his pug," added Hawkes, who was not so well 

 versed as his companions in the uncertainties and 

 disappointments attending night shikar. " It would 

 be a pity to lose any opportunity of bagging such a 

 grand fellow." 



" Well, then," Mackenzie rather grumblingly ob- 

 served, " I suppose it is decided that we give up 

 our natural rest and risk our precious limbs on 

 'muchans.' for the chance of an uncertain shot. 

 Norman, you know how often we have been sold. 

 I confess I think the time is far more profitably 

 employed in sleep." 



But Norman was more sanguine, or less lazy, and 

 adhered to his opinion, in which he was stoutly 

 seconded by Hawkes, 



