TIGER-HUNTING IN CHINA 241 



picked up their spears and ran down hill to the cave, 

 which, like most of them, was formed of immense 

 boulders, opening by a crevice running straight 

 downward. Then, stationing me at its mouth, with 

 warnings to be ready, they entered. 



Five minutes passed. A hunter reappeared and 

 said something which caused the crowd of villagers 

 who had approached to scramble back up the hill- 

 side ; Lim's eyes bulged as he whispered excitedly : 

 "Get ready, master, tiger inside." 



The sport was now on in earnest. Bulletins were 

 announced at regular intervals from below : at first 

 they could see but one paw of the animal, then 

 he moved and showed himself in full " very large 

 tiger," Lim translated. They were trying to drive 

 him out; he might charge from any one of three 

 openings, and I was to watch them all carefully, 

 for it would be quick shooting. A half hour passed. 

 Then came up the announcement that he had got 

 into a small passage and could not be driven out ; 

 they would block him in, after which I must enter. 

 The villagers immediately set to work gathering 

 bushes, which they bound together and threw down 

 to the opening, while the hunters came to the cave's 

 mouth and dragged them in. They worked quickly 

 and quietly, but with a subdued excitement which 

 kept my interest at highest pitch. My finger was 



