XXV 
THE SAMBUR 
3i9 
would quickly tell against his chances of success. 
The hounds, with empty bellies, running light, would 
quickly overhaul him, and the stag must turn. 
Then he would come crashing through the jungle, 
running obliquely down the hill, but the long-legged 
ones would be at his heels, and force him straight 
down the steep incline, where he would have the 
speed. 
In the meantime, listening to the notes of well- 
known hounds, I could tell with tolerable accuracy 
the position of affairs. Hearing that the pack did not 
positively crest the mountain ridge, I knew that the 
stag had not been able to attain it; he therefore 
would perforce be coming down. Judging by the 
appearance of the country the point at which he 
would be compelled to break, I would run ahead 
with the two long-legged seizers, which always 
remained with me, to be ready to slip the moment 
that he should appear upon the open. Arrived at 
the spot, I should now hear the pack in full cry 
coming down the hill. Presently the crashing sound 
of breaking nilho in the forest would ensure the 
delightful advent of the stag. A few more moments, 
and the splendid beast would appear through the 
margin of the forest. There he would wait for a 
few seconds to gaze upon the expanse of solitude, 
to assure himself of safety before he ventured upon 
a dash across the open. Away he goes! straight 
down the gentle slope, across the plain. At that 
moment I slip the straining greyhounds, and the 
course begins. They fly ! 
