226 SPORT IN BENGAL. 



desired at least a shot or two at those which had immediately 

 preceded him. Accordingly I decided upon waiting to see 

 what luck might bring about, nor did I do so in vain. I 

 know not what actually took place under the farthest trees, 

 but it seemed as if one of the last comers had in some way 

 given offence to the old lady with cubs, possibly he may have 

 made some unacceptable advances, or have " chivied " and 

 hurt one of the latter; however that might be, there could 

 be no doubt about the sequel, for in the midst of great out- 

 cries the two younger bears came shuffling up towards me on 

 the left, and the last being overtaken by the mother of the 

 cubs was rolled over on his back, and soundly cuffed as he 

 probably well deserved to be. In my immediate front not 

 twenty paces distant stood the big male, offering an easy 

 broadside shot, and on my left front a little farther off paused 

 the young bear, whose companion having fallen into the 

 clutches of his pursuer, was receiving condign chastisement, 

 acknowledged by piteous howls and moans, his friend look- 

 ing on blandly at a safe distance, with his hands in his 

 pockets as it might be, but ready to make off if desirable ; a 

 better opportunity therefore was not likely to offer that 

 night. Taking the big old fellow first, I lodged a two and 

 a-half ounce conical in his shoulder, and sent him down 

 spread-eagle fashion with a long-drawn moan, and then turn- 

 ing rapidly to the left gave my young friend the left barrel 

 in his ribs, knocking him clean off his legs ; but as he rose 

 again presently and began to turn round and round, he got 

 the first barrel of the 12-bore rifle through his neck as a 

 quietus, the remaining barrel being fired for the benefit of 

 the others, which were now scattering off with many a grunt 

 and " ouf-ouf " of astonishment. 



The big male a very fine specimen never stirred and 

 was stone-dead, the heavy bullet having completely smashed 

 his shoulders and lungs ; the other, a three-quarters grown 

 male, groaned a little for a few seconds but did not move, 

 being hit through the ribs in a diagonal line forwards, and 

 in the neck close behind the head. The following morning 



