374 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



one post, Norman and the grass-cutter proceeding 

 in the direction of the other. The remaining men 

 were directed to enter the jungle and strike the 

 trunks of the trees with sticks or axes, so that, with- 

 out being alarmed by shouting, the tiger might be 

 induced quietly to sneak away when aware that 

 men were at work in the cover. 



The sportsmen felt the more inclined to try their 

 luck at once, as they were aware the shikarees had 

 gone to examine some covers at a considerable 

 distance in the opposite direction ; and before they 

 could be summoned, the tiger might be far away. 

 So, as I have said, they started for the two points 

 recommended by the villager, in hopes of inter- 

 cepting it. 



The loose habiliments of Mackenzie and Hawkes 

 were by no means adapted to climbing trees ; so the 

 two scrambled on to a high rock, which enabled 

 them to see a little over the jungle, and there 

 patiently waited. 



Norman, who had much further to go, was longer 

 in reaching the place selected by his guide ; and 

 when he had arrived there, debated whether he 

 should also sit on a rock of which there were 

 several rising above the surrounding low jungle or 

 climb into a small tree which grew near. The 

 man recommended the latter course ; for from the 



