272 THE EASTEEX HUNTERS. 



whacking fellow trot away quietly from the midst 

 of the korindas. I hadn't time to fire ; and I am 

 precious glad I hadn't, for I had only the single 

 barrel to depend on, as the double was still un- 

 loaded." 



" Was he lying there, do you think, or only 

 casually passing ? " asked Hawkes, still keeping a 

 good watch over the place. 



" I don't know ; we'll have a look directly I have 

 reloaded. But he must have been lying, I should 

 say ; for several times, while waiting for the 

 samber, I fancied a tigerish scent came between 

 the wind and my nobility." 



After Norman had reloaded, with weapons on full 

 cock, and the gun-bearers in close proximity behind, 

 the two advanced to the clump of korinda bushes, 

 and inspected the place. 



" Yes, by Jove ! Here is his form," exclaimed 

 Norman. " We must have been close neighbours 



o 



for a good quarter of an hour. I was standing 

 behind that tree, and it is not more than fifteen 

 yards distant." So saying the speaker pointed to a 

 small tree on the very skirts of the jungle, about 

 that distance off. 



" I wonder he didn't hear you," remarked Hawkes. 



"He was probably fast asleep," was the reply. 

 " I took up my position from the opposite side 



