160 IN THE INDIAN JUNGLE. 



two pairs of strong arms, but once we were 

 in mid-current it required all the efforts of the 

 boatmen to stem the raging stream and make head- 

 way. The two " tigers " were now some 350 yards 

 up stream, and it really seemed wonderful how 

 these animals could make headway in such a mill- 

 race. Finding we could make little progress in 

 mid-stream, I directed the canoe-men to get nearer 

 the bank into slack water, and when we were 

 abreast of the animals to shoot out again into 

 the centre. When we got within fifty yards we 

 perceived that the so-called " tigers" were nothing 

 more than a pair of wild dogs. So great was my 

 disappointment that I was inclined to direct the 

 boatmen to return, but I suppose that the innate 

 love of bloodshed said to be characteristic of man 

 prevailed, and we continued the chase. The wild- 

 dogs now perceived our approach, and putting on 

 a spurt actually distanced the dug-out, although 

 with alternate promises of reward and punish- 

 ment I urged the Jhoras to do their utmost. 

 Finding their efforts unavailing I fired at the nearest 

 dog, which was about fifty yards ahead. I missed 

 the mark being a very bad one, as I dared not 

 stand and all that I could see of the brute was its 

 ears and nose ; however, the shot was sufficient 

 to turn its fellow, which now made down stream, 

 still keeping to the centre. It passed within 

 twenty yards of me, but I could not fire for fear 

 of the bullet glancing off the water and hitting 

 one of the many people who lined the bank. I 

 therefore directed the boatmen to turn and follow 



