324 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WA YS 
CHAP. 
a soft bog, and at the same instant Momus was 
likewise inverted by the same cause, both riders 
sprawling upon the muddy patina. Gathering 
up the pieces, and helping the horses to terra 
firma , we were quickly in the saddles, and on 
gaining some rising ground we saw the hounds 
a quarter of a mile distant on the bank of the 
river; some were standing, some sitting, and 
others lying down, and occasionally barking at a 
splendid stag who stood facing them close to the 
bank, shoulder-deep in the running stream. 
“We were soon up. At the well-known halloo 
the tired dogs sprang from the ground, and burst 
into a tremendous bay, when they saw the 
welcome aid now hurrying to the front. The 
stag, refreshed by his cool bath, without waiting 
for an attack, sprang nimbly up the bank, charged 
through the pack, striking down every opposing 
hound, and at full speed started away up the 
gently sloping patina towards the jungle. 
“ The dogs were not to be beaten. Lena was 
fresh, and the eager bitch pressed him in such 
good form that she was within 6 paces of his 
haunches when he disappeared within the jungle. 
Bran and Lucifer were closely waiting on her, 
and the following pack some 50 paces in the 
rear. 
“ The forest was open, and the thick fringe of 
ferns and underwood was soon cut into a lane as 
the dogs crashed through in hot pursuit. . . . 
About five minutes passed; during this time the 
