412 THE EASTEEN HUNTERS. 



consider that it is usually the aged animals who 

 become confirmed man-eaters ; though, possibly, cir- 

 cumstances may develop a taste for human blood in 

 younger beasts. The exceeding wariness and cun- 

 ning of the man-eater is another symptom indicative 

 of the experience attained by age only. 



However, the hunters were of opinion that it was 

 more than commonly desirable that this beast should 

 be destroyed, and determined to devote one more 

 day to the attempt, should they be unsuccessful on 

 the present occasion. 



After the arrangements for the beat had been 

 discussed under the tree where the shikarees had 

 met the sportsmen, at some distance from the cover, 

 they all proceeded to their allotted positions. 



A ridge of hills here ran out into the plain, the 

 upper part being rocky and precipitous, but the 

 lower an easy slope, covered with jungle. 



The beaters were sent to one end, so as to drive 

 the cover along the face of the hill. The upper 

 rocks, it was not considered the tiger would attempt. 

 It remained, therefore, only to guard the bottom of 

 the hill and the other end. The latter station was 

 occupied by Hawkes, the others remaining at dif- 

 ferent situations below. 



The place was altogether very extensive and 

 with many outlets, and for upwards of an hour the 



