AFTER BISON IN CHOTA NAGPORE. 251 



three Sahibs, so we tossed for first shot much to the 

 wonderment of the natives, who thought we were 

 performing some charm to ensure our safety if we 

 came up with the bison. We had no difficulty in 

 following up the trail, which was very distinct in 

 the damp ground ; and on nearing a thicket of 

 bamboos, the shikaree told us to be prepared, as the 

 bison was in all probability among them, taking 

 his midday rest. We therefore proceeded cau- 

 tiously, keeping the bamboos well to the windward, 

 R_ _^ a hot-headed Welshman who had won the 

 toss, leading. We had got well within the bamboos 

 and were peering cautiously to the front, when 

 suddenly up sprang a large bison within a few 

 yards to our right rear and went tearing down the 

 hill. R - let drive at once at the stern of the 

 brute as it was making off, and luckily one of his 

 shots took effect and broke its hind leg below the 

 knee. We now made sure of the beast and followed 

 up rapidly, R being a long way in advance. 

 There was a slight spur of the hill on which stood 

 a few rocks, and round this the bison had disap- 

 peared. On nearing the rocks we saw R - stop, 

 put his gun to shoulder, bring it down without 

 firing, feel his pockets and then come scampering 

 back to us. He had no ammunition it was with 

 the shikaree and he had not re-loaded after 

 firing at the bison. It was now at the rocks 

 and had turned to bay and waited for R 

 with lowered head ; but why it had not charged, 

 especially when it saw its enemy retreating, it 

 is hard to say. Had it been a buffalo R -'s 



