34.4 . THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



" It would be a nice little study, too, for trans- 

 lation into Hindustanee," Hawkes said. 



When placed in an envelope, on which a bold 

 flourishing superscription was written, it looked, the 

 senders thought, worthy of its destination. It was 

 entrusted to the care of the " Hurkara," who re- 

 ceived it with much respect, carefully wrapped it 

 in the cloth he had brought, and then backed out 

 of the tent with his face to the hunters. As the 

 safest place in which to bestow so important a 

 document, he tied it into a fold of his puggree, 

 and then started off at a long trot, deeming no time 

 should be lost in placing in his master's hands a 

 missive of such interest. 



By dawn the next day, the hunters were on the 

 move, having arranged to accompany the shikarees 

 in their examination of the country towards the 

 new camping-ground. A small body of beaters 

 also accompanied them on the chance of being 

 employed, having, in fact, remained with the camp 

 ever since it had been in the neighbourhood of their 

 homes. 



The country was carefully examined, but no fresh 

 trail was found. But numerous black partridges 

 had been calling during the early morning in and 

 about the jow in the river's bed. The " chuck- 

 chuck, chuck- a-chuck," of that very handsome bird 



