360 The Hunting Grounds 



rated in a most strange manner against the face 

 of the cliff overhanging our retreat, and the moon 

 was high in the heavens before we turned in for the 

 night. 



We slept long and soundly, as hunters generally do 

 after a hard day's fag, but as soon as the gray light 



of dawn appeared, the stirring strains of K 's 



bugle rang through the valley, and, obeying its cheer- 

 ful summons, we hastily arrayed ourselves in our 

 hunting-gear, assembled round the fire, and partook 

 of a hurried collation previous to ascending the Ghaut. 

 The Coolies accompanied us with supplies, as it was 

 our intention to remain for a day or two at my 

 former bivouac at the head of the Fall, in the hopes 

 of falling in with the herd of elephants reported to 

 have been seen by the Carders some days previously. 

 We entered the jungle as day was breaking, and, 

 after a tedious ascent, arrived at the head of the Fall 

 about noon, where we immediately commenced build- 

 ing a commodious hut, as our former one was too 

 small. As soon as our arrangements were completed, 



B and I started on a pot-hunting expedition, 



K and C being too much done-up to accom- 

 pany us, and, after half an hour's beating, managed 

 to bag a couple of jungle-fowl and five hares, which 

 latter were very much larger than those found in the 

 low country. On our return to the hut with our 

 game, we found such a feast awaiting us that we 



