286 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



where the trail crossed the river, found the foot- 

 prints still wet, and the adjacent ground yet damp 

 from the water which had been splashed about it. 

 They hurried on as fast as they could, and hit off 

 the pug, but without coming up with the tigers, 

 who, Manajee considered, were still on foot, and 

 keeping well ahead. 



As evening was falling, and there seemed no 

 prospect of overtaking or intercepting the enemy, 

 the hunters were induced, reluctantly, to relinquish 

 the attempt, and return to their tents, very wearied 

 and somewhat disheartened at their unsuccessful 

 day. 



However, there could be no doubt that several 

 tigers were now about ; and as they seemed to 

 prefer the country about the river Morun, the 

 hunters resolved to move their camp to a village 

 more in its neighbourhood, and thereby save the 

 journey to and fro. Orders were accordingly issued 

 for a march next morning to Seitwarra, a village 

 large enough to furnish some supplies, and distant 

 about six miles. 



Rugonauth who had arrived from Bhilgaum, 

 having en route diverged to examine a part of the 

 country of which he had heard some report smiled 

 grimly as he was told of the ill success attending 

 the day's proceedings, which he seemed inclined to 



