362 THE EASTEEN HUNTEES. 



tailed to advance directly above the place where the 

 tiger was last seen, and near which, the shikaree 

 was aware, existed several favourite dens, much 

 affected by the feline race. The rest of the beaters 

 were directed to go round to the further part of the 

 basin, and then, in extended order, shout from the 

 top of the cliffs and rocks. Hawkes went with 

 them a part of the distance, and was posted in a 

 tree on the side opposite to that where the tiger 

 was expected to be found, and which, being less 

 rugged, it was necessary to render secure. The 

 other two were placed in trees commanding the gap 

 itself. A dry watercourse, which came down the 

 gorge, wound between them, and then passed into 

 the plain. 



When all were in their places, at a signal from 

 Rugonauth, the howling simultaneously commenced, 

 and was continued uninterruptedly for some time 

 without anything showing. As it relaxed in vigour, 

 various directions and many questions and answers 

 were shouted across by the more prominent actors 

 on either side. Fireworks were next produced, and, 

 together with volleys of stones, were hurled from the 

 cliff on which Koopur stood in command of his 

 detachment. The shouts were renewed, but still no 

 sign of any tiger. 



As a lull again took place, Rugonauth could be 



