A TIGER QUIETLY TROTS OFF. 273 



very quietly and cautiously, for I saw a neilghye in 

 the jungle while I was coming round, and thought 

 I might get a chance at it should the samber not 

 come my way. My shots must have roused the 

 brute, who, when he saw me in the open, decided, 

 I suppose, on abstaining from any closer acquaint- 

 ance, and moved off; for which I am uncommonly 

 thankful." 



" I saw you bowl over the samber," said Hawkes. 

 "And, by the way, that was done right royally. 

 Then I saw you come to the stag, and all of a 

 sudden jump up. I couldn't make out what was 

 the cause, but I hurried towards you, and was 

 already on my way when you shouted." 



"Ay, that was. when I saw the tiger take a stare 

 and then trot off. But let us see if we can make 

 anything of his pug. I wish old Rugonauth was 

 with us." 



With the assistance of the natives, the two tracked 

 the tiger for some distance ; but the jungle was very 

 thick, and as they saw no prospect of overtaking 

 the beast, they soon relinquished the endeavour, 

 and returned to the dead game. 



Cutting off a large steak, they despatched it by 

 one of the natives to the village, with instructions 

 to direct its preparation for dinner, and to bring out 

 men to carry in the rest. 



