RAMZAN'S STRATEGY. 269 



selects a spot for an ainbush, which merely consists of a few 

 green branches stuck into the ground ; but our view of the 

 pool is quite obstructed by some rising ground on our side of 

 it. This flaw in the position cannot, however, be avoided, 

 owing to the direction of the wind ; and Eamzan, from former 

 experience, confidently predicts that the hangul, if he should 

 visit the trag, will, after quitting it, be pretty certain to show 

 himself on the said rising ground. The old man seems so 

 satisfied of his conjecture proving right, that he goes so far as 

 to divest his head of its big white turban a precaution which 

 he seldom thinks necessary in close country unless he really 

 means business. 



The bellowing, although now much nearer, is only heard at 

 long intervals, until at last such a time elapses without its 

 being repeated that my hopes of a chance are fast subsiding. 

 But listen ! a low sort of groaning sound comes from the 

 direction of the pool. Again we hear it, this time in short 

 subdued grunts, and there is no longer any doubt about its 

 proceeding from the stag as he wallows in the mud, although 

 we cannot see him owing to the rising ground that intervenes. 

 My companion, as he sits silently by, exhorts my patience 

 by intelligent glances, as I anxiously await the issue of the 

 business. We have not long to wait, however, before a pair 

 of broad-spreading horns with ten beautiful tines rise gradu- 

 ally over the grass, until at length their owner, all soiled with 

 wet mud and quite unconscious of danger, stands in full view 

 before us. A few seconds more and he is stretched on the 

 grass, kicking furiously in his death-throes. 



Dropping the beast on the spot was indeed a bit of rare 

 luck, and was accounted for by a splinter of the shell, which 

 struck him rather high behind the shoulder, injuring his 

 spine. I only give my good old shikaree his just due \vht-ii 

 I say that getting a shot at this beast was entirely owim: t<> 

 the thorough knowledge of his calling he possessed. I have 

 sometimes met sportsmen in India who affect to scorn thr 



