THE ONE-EYED MAN-EATER. 73 



over the details of our mad-cap scheme, and pro- 

 bably dreamt of it that night. Next morning we 

 got together a number of villagers, and set off for 

 the scene of the night's operations. The news of 

 our plot to circumvent Master Stripes soon got 

 wind, and the whole male population of the village 

 assembled to help to erect the machan. Half-way 

 down the declivity was a large tree which overhung 

 the road at the angle of a zig-zag. In order to cut 

 off this corner the natives took a short cut across 

 the zig-zag. This path was worn into deep ruts, 

 and it was along these ruts that the tiger concealed 

 himself when lying in wait for the ddk-men. From 

 the machan in the tree the roadway on both sides, 

 as well as the short cut, could be plainly seen. 

 Provis was to ride over at four o'clock in the after- 

 noon and conceal himself in the machan. I was to 

 ride over at about six, dismount some distance away 

 from the edge of the jungle, send the pony back and 

 then begin my experience as a <^&-man. Nothing 

 would induce our syces (grooms) to remain with the 

 ponies anywhere near the ghdt, so we arranged to 

 walk back to the bungalow after our adventure. 

 Prompt to the hour Provis set out and en- 

 sconced himself in the machan , taking with him our 

 whole battery of two double-barrel smooth-bores 

 and a Snider carbine. Meanwhile I got myself up in 

 a dark serge suit, shikar shoes, a white cummerbund 

 and turban, and, provided with a stout staff and 

 bells to complete my personation of a native post- 

 runner, I set off amid the plaudits of the natives, 

 who assembled in crowds to witness this escapade 



