36 The Hunting Grounds 



stunted bush, I found a place which was a little 

 more practicable, though the drop was still about 

 eight feet deep, and the slope of the bank very 

 steep. ^One more chance, thought I, springing 

 from my horse, taking off the saddle and tying 

 up the bridle Lall Babba and I were old 

 friends, and he would follow me like a dog I 

 threw the saddle into the bed of the nullah, and 

 scrambled down afterwards myself. I then called 

 him by name several times, and he came trotting 

 along the bank as if he was seeking a more suit- 

 able place to descend. He then returned to that 

 part of the bank dow r n which I had scrambled, 

 and stood pawing the edge hesitatingly. I again 

 called him, and pretended to turn away down the 

 bed of the nullah, when I shall never forget his 

 appearance as he stood cocking his ears and lay- 

 ing his head on one side, as he watched my 

 motions with evident distress. He remained 

 motionless a moment, as if he was considering 

 what was to be done, then gave a loud whinny, 

 sprang, and in a moment was rubbing his nose 

 against my shoulder. 



I patted him on the shoulder, and talked to him 

 as I adjusted the saddle, and from his intelligent 

 looks one would have thought he understood 

 every word I said. I then walked along the bed 

 of the nullah for some little distance, and we 



