68 The Hunting Grounds 



marks of tattooing, which were recognised by one of 

 the villagers who was with us. We also found two 

 gold teekaSy or neck ornaments, which mark the 

 "married" woman, and a knife, which the Dhoby 

 assured us he knew as having belonged to a post- 

 runner who had been killed about a month before. , 



The stench from the decayed animal matter was 

 almost insupportable, and we were glad to leave it 

 and breathe the fresh air once more. I gave orders 

 to the gang to collect the remains, but not to bury 

 them, until they had been seen by the village autho- 

 rities ; as I thought that some would be recognised, 

 and their friends might wish to inter them with their 

 " caste " ceremonies. 



" What a fearfully sickening sight it is !" said Mac. 

 I declare it has made me feel quite queer, and given 

 me an all-overishness I shall not get over for a week." 



" I wish we had brought some beer with us," said 



W , with something very nearly approaching to a 



sigh, " for I want a draught to wash my throat after 

 the tainted air I have been inhaling, which has half 

 suffocated me. Come, Chineah, produce your master's 

 brandy-flask, and let us have a little refreshment after 

 our exertions." 



" Poor little woman," exclaimed Jock, " look, here 

 is a long lock of her hair attached to a piece of scalp, 

 that I found sticking to my boot as I came out, 

 I shall keep it as a souvenir." 



