290 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



tom-toms also were whacked with more violent 

 blows, the bushes thrashed harder with the sticks of 

 the invading force, and more frequent volleys of 

 stones and clods of earth hurled in front. A flower- 

 pot likewise was lighted, and sent sputtering among 

 the jungle at the base of the rocks ; but all with- 

 out effect, for no tiger responded to these delicate 

 attentions. 



After thus remaining for some time stationary, 

 and exhausting all devices to induce the tiger 

 to leave his probable lair, the beaters, under 

 the directions of Rugonauth, again advanced, 

 beat right up to and past the rocks, and then 

 on to the end of the jungle without stirring any- 

 thing. 



When this was done, Rugonauth, with a few 

 others, went back to inspect more narrowly the 

 favourite resort among the rocks, and endeavour to 

 ascertain what had become of the tiger. 



The disappointed hunters had meanwhile ex- 

 changed their attitudes of preparation for one less 

 ready, and rested their weapons on the ground. 

 The beaters also, after emerging from the jungle, 

 had ceased to shout, and in little .detached parties 

 WLTO now earnestly engaged in discussing the bear- 

 iugs oi the question, chattering with great volubility 

 as they did so. 



