294 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



While they were discussing this, one of the 

 hunters observed that Manajee was not present, and 

 asked what had become of him. Before Eugonauth 

 could reply, a man stepped forward and said that 

 Manajee had also marked down a tiger two or three 

 hours ago. 



" Then why were we not told so before 1 " he 

 was asked. 



"Sahib," the fellow replied. "I went to the 

 sacred spot, where I expected to find you, but you 

 had left. I came on the track of the horses, and 

 arrived here while the beat was going on. It is 

 finished ; if the Sahibs please, I will guide them to 

 Manajee." 



" By Jove ! we are in luck," exclaimed Mackenzie, 

 as he rubbed his hands. " We'll make up for 

 yesterday, I dare say. Has anything been heard of 

 the one which was wounded yesterday \ " 



" It has not been seen, Sahib," was the reply, 

 " and Manajee thinks it must have died in the 

 jungle." 



After letting the man have a drink of water, and 

 leaving one or two to look after the dead tiger, the 

 hunters sought the tree, in the shade of which their 

 horses had been left ; and, with the beaters in com- 

 pany, were soon following their guide to the place 

 where Manajee was expecting them. 



