46 THE SHIKARI 



bush, they were run right on to at only a few yards' 

 distance. With a growl, one sprang out into an open 

 stretch of country beyond. It presented a fine shot 

 at only twenty or thirty yards' distance, but, as the 

 rifle was brought to the shoulder, it was found the 

 sight protector had been forgotten in the excitement 

 of the moment, and though the trigger was pulled 

 and the fore sight guessed at, a hopeless miss resulted. 



A run was then needed to get outside the patch 

 of bush to obtain another view of them. By this 

 time they were a good way off and going like mad, 

 one already disappearing into some trees and under- 

 growth. 



Meanwhile, the fore sight protector had been pulled 

 off, and by taking a quick shot from a standing 

 position, allowing just a little in front, the pleasure 

 was experienced of seeing the other turn a somersault 

 like a shot rabbit. Had the fore sight been visible, 

 doubtless both would have been added to the bag. 



Whether or not it is decided to have a rifle made 

 or to buy one outright, the buyer should make a point 

 of insisting, before the sights are finished, on the maker 

 sending him and a man down to the range and let 

 him shoot and sight the rifle for himself, at exact 

 measured distances. 



There are no two men who see quite the same, and 

 though a rifle may shoot accurately with one man 

 it will be a little out with another ; so bear this in mind, 

 and if the expert on the ground takes a file, the back 



