136 The Hunting Grounds 



I carefully examined my arms, and, having ascer- 

 tained that nothing had been seen by any of my 

 gang, some of whom had kept a look-out, I told my 

 people to listen for the sound of my gun, which, if 

 they heard, they might come up, otherwise that they 

 were to remain quiet until my return. 



I ordered Chineah, Kistimah, Googooloo, and the 

 dhoby to accompany me down the road with spare 

 guns, in case I might want them, and when I arrived 

 at a spot which commanded a view of the ravine I 

 sent them to climb different trees. 



Kistimah begged hard to be allowed to accom- 

 pany me, as he said this tiger never attacked a man 

 in front but always from behind; but I would not 

 permit him, as I thought that two people would per- 

 haps scare the animal, and his footsteps might pre- 

 vent me from hearing any sound intimating his 

 approach. 



The sun had almost set as I proceeded slowly 

 down the road, and, although I was perfectly cool 

 and as steady as possible, I felt cold drops of perspira- 

 tion start from my forehead as I approached the spot 

 where so many victims had been sacrificed. I passed 

 the rock, keeping well on the look-out, listening care- 

 fully for the slightest sound, and I remember feeling 

 considerably annoyed by the chirping made by a 

 couple of little bulbuls (Indian nightingales), that 

 were fighting in a bush close to the roadside. Par- 



