280 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



The place in which the family party had taken up 

 their residence was not more than half-a-mile from 

 the rendezvous, and consequently was soon reached. 

 It was a small patch of jungle in the river bed, from 

 about the centre of which four or five massive rocks 

 rose high above the low jow bushes, which completely 

 concealed their bases. What there at present was 

 of the stream flowed alongside the jungle, and 

 between it and a high bank. On the other side was 

 a bank also ; and some open ground lay at the end 

 of the cover, between it and the water. Trees were 

 plentifully scattered about on both sides. The tigers 

 were supposed to be enjoying their siesta in the 

 vicinity of the rocks above referred to, perhaps in 

 their shade and shelter. Manajee's plan was to 

 beat the patch from the further end, after establish- 

 ing the hunters on each bank commanding the open 

 part at the opposite extremity. 



Norman and Hawkes were stationed on the side 

 overlooking the water, Mackenzie being placed on 

 the other bank. All were in trees, as they thus 

 obtained a better command ; though Mackenzie 

 grumbled a good deal at having so to contract his 

 huge limbs, as to take advantage of a fork of the 

 tree into which he had climbed. But his maledic- 

 tions, though deep, were not loud, for he feared to 

 disturb the sleeping game by any excessive noise. 



