264 THE EASTEBN HUNTEES.- 



and probably cut some artery in the region of the 

 heart, which accounted for the great quantity of 

 blood. 



" Just my ill-luck again/' said Mackenzie ; " but 

 I'll have it out of that scoundrelly Bappoo," and he 

 clutched the unfortunate fellow, who was like a 

 mere reed in the grasp of the powerful Highlander. 



The wretched creature turned almost white with 

 fright and prayed for forgiveness. His trembling 

 appearance was so ludicrous as to make Mackenzie 

 burst out laughing. So after giving him a shake, as 

 a terrier would a rat, he let him go. 



Immediately he was released, the man glided to a 

 respectful distance and made himself as small as he 

 conveniently could. 



Seeing that the danger to his comrade was at an 

 end, Kugonauth considered it became him, and his 

 exalted position of head shikaree, to reprimand his 

 subordinate. Accordingly he poured forth the vials 

 of his wrath, oblivious of his own short-comings, 

 which he wisely and discreetly kept to himself. 



" What, you call yourself a shikaree, do you ? " 

 he began, addressing the man. " Is it a shikaree's 

 duty to go to sleep, when the Sahibs, leaving their 

 ease and comfort able beds, come into the jungle at 

 night for sport ? You are like a fat Bunneah, oh, you 

 wretched one, faithless to your salt ! What would 



