A net is laid near a potential opening. Krishnan fills an earthen pot bearing a hole and within minutes the rats escape, right into the net. Very soon, three rats are caught, their legs are broken and they are tied in Devi's sari. The gods have been good today. The day passes slowly.
Hare are elusive but the Irula is a patient man.
Chenchamma spies a plant yielding huge tubers and within minutes, the tuber is dug out, a fire is built and the roasted flesh consumed. We march to a water hole, where they drink enough to sustain themselves, as the next water hole is 5 km away. Here lies a clearing with a dilapidated leaf shelter. Hare, drawn by the smell of the Guttimaram fruits. We build leaf shelters, each of which can house two men.