308 The Hunting Grounds 



" Yes, Ned, it strikes upon the heart of a ranger 

 of the woods like an old well-loved strain upon a 

 wanderer's ears ; but I imagine that we shall have a 

 view of the performers before morning, as the Mul- 

 ch ers say there is no other water about here nearer 

 than the Bowani, and it is evident from the pugs 

 we saw on the sand that they frequent this place." 



Just at this moment we heard a movement in the 

 bushes, and an old grey monkey, evidently a scout, 

 came creeping cautiously into the plain. After peer- 

 ing about a few moments in a very inquisitive manner, 

 seeing all appeared clear, he turned towards the wood, 

 uttering a sharp cry, and, immediately a whole troop 

 of his followers came leaping and swinging them- 

 selves from the trees, screaming, chattering, fighting, 

 and making grimaces at each other, as they rushed 

 frantically to the water's edge to quench their thirst. 

 Then, after gambolling about for a little time and 

 picking up a few berries, they again disappeared in 

 the woods. Towards dusk two jungle-sheep followed, 

 and remained for some time, but we allowed them to 

 retreat unmolested. Shortly afterwards my attention 

 was attracted by a low grunt from Googooloo, whom I 

 saw cautiously putting his head forward and raising 

 his body, so as to get a better view of something, 

 whilst he motioned to Naga to hand me my rifle. 



" Kya hy ?" (what is it ?) whispered I. Googooloo 

 made no answer, but still continued to strain his eyes 



