400 THE EASTEBN HUNTERS. 



do so uninterruptedly, the ground was too stony 

 for that, but working with his assistants on a plan 

 of mutual aid, they managed to carry the trail to 

 some thick jungle in a ravine among the hills, and 

 which opened towards the river and the plain. 



As darkness came on, they left the hills and 

 selected, as their place of repose, a tree on an open 

 space near the river's bank. A very short time 

 sufficed for them to cut down some bushes, which 

 were arranged as a sort of barrier. Behind this 

 they ate their frugal meal of chupatties, and after a 

 few whiffs at the common pipe, wrapped themselves 

 in their cumbleys and were soon asleep. 



