414 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



the same time listening to the noise of the beaters. 

 If Hawkes had taken time for consideration, he 

 would probably have reserved his fire till he got a 

 clearer view and a closer range ; but he was too 

 anxious to secure any chance. Accordingly he 

 fired, and, as he believed with effect, and the 

 animal immediately disappeared. 



A warning shout to Norman indicating the direc- 

 tion taken, enabled the latter just to catch one brief 

 glimpse of the bright black-striped jacket as he 

 watched the line pointed out. He immediately 

 saw that he had no chance of getting a shot from 

 where he then was, so he resolved to endeavour to 

 get in front of the animal and intercept its retreat. 

 Hastily descending from his tree, he ran up to the 

 top of a knoll which formed a detached portion of 

 the hill, and just as he reached the top, detected the 

 tiger in the act of rounding the little hill itself 

 below. The animal evidently saw his adversary, 

 and paused for a moment as if doubtful what to do. 

 It was about a hundred yards off, and in the 

 position in which it then stood, presented only its 

 chest. Norman was a little blown, and somewhat 

 unsteady from his run, and doubtful of hitting at 

 the distance ; he dropped on one knee, however, 

 took rapid aim and fired. The bullet struck 

 fair in the chest ; and acknowledging the civility 



