THE TRACKING PARTIES JOIN. 409 



in search of prey, but its general course was directly 

 away. 



" He will be making for the ' Ban Peeplee/ " 

 Koopur at length observed to his companions ; 

 an almost complete silence having hitherto 

 reigned. 



A brief grunt of assent was the only reply to this 

 remark, as they continued perseveringly to carry on 

 the track. 



A shrill whistle in their rear now caused the little 

 party to halt, and turn round. This was caused by 

 Rugonauth, who, with a few men, had come across 

 the track of Roopur where he had stopped to examine 

 the marks at the drinking-place. The former saw, 

 of course, that they were on the pug of the tiger, 

 and so open a trail as was left by the advanced 

 party was easily and rapidly followed. In this 

 way he had caught up the leaders, and now they 

 set to work in company. 



Roopur, however, ere long felt almost satisfied 

 that the tiger was making for the cover which was 

 known by the name of the " Ban Peeplee " ; and 

 this fact, derived from his local knowledge, he com- 

 municated to Rugonauth. 



It was soon arranged that the latter with his 

 party should proceed at once to the jungle in ques- 

 tion ; and, if successful in finding the trail there, 



