VII 
THE TIGER 
263 
season, and the clear stream below the village, rush¬ 
ing over a rocky bed, was a sufficient attraction to 
entice the animals from a great distance. This 
would account for the permanent residence of tigers. 
The headman was a Thakur, a person of import¬ 
ance, and, as our camp had been sent forward on 
the previous day, we found everything in readiness 
upon our arrival; the Thakur and his people were 
in attendance. 
After the usual salutations, I inquired concerning 
the celebrated tiger: “How long was it since it had 
been heard of.^” 
The Thakur placidly inquired of our attendant, 
and I was informed that three days had elapsed 
since it killed the last cow; it would therefore in all 
probability kill another animal to-morrow. There 
was no excitement visible, but the natives spoke of 
the tiger as coolly and as unconcernedly as though 
it had been the postman. 
My shikari was present, and I ordered him to tie 
up a good large buffalo, in prime condition, as the 
tiger was in the habit of selecting the best cattle for 
attack. After some delay, an excellent buffalo was 
brought for inspection, about sixteen months old, in 
fine condition, and there was little doubt that the 
tiger would attack, as the period had arrived when 
they might expect a kill. 
The Thakur knew the exact position for the 
buffalo as bait, and he coolly assured me that the 
tiger would certainly kill, and that on the following 
day I should as certainly get a shot, but that the 
