The National tribune., 1899-09-07

this, where travelling had to be done II
ravines, and there was no knowing what tn
next one contained; so that a herd might b.
near without ones getting any sign Of thei
presence. .~s
1T must have been the home of panthers
for besides seeing pugs in abundance, thes'
dry dark gorges were frequently cleft Il
form smaller recesses. while caves innum
cradle burrowed into the rocky walls
Panthers have pleasure in places where M
tiger would stay. Furthermore, besides
other game. those monkeys they prefer te
anything else abound here beyond measure
every part of the forest being full of them.
"Montel sahib desired to stay here. he
was slayer of panthers, who took nc
thought concerning danger; but those
things we heard about the rogue caused him
to hasten, since he remembered that
promises of protection had been given, and
it was now time to seek him in earnest.
This must needs be great hunt, and when
all had gone to rest wrapped myself in a
blanket to keep off the cold breeze, and sat
thinking of how much would have to be
done before an elephant like this, SO wary
| and ferocious. could be killed.
Maybe it was his voice I heard later,
sounding family down the wind; for sleep
forsook me, though there seemed no need OF
watchfulness. When morning broke we
set forth again, and marched to noon rest
ing place-then the end came.
Everybody sat about; some prepared
food and others slept. The underground
being very thick, we were shut i'll, so that
there was no view on any side. Perhaps
this may have Eeen an imprudence, but
what was to be done? That unsainted
country had to be crossed; neither could pre-
cautions have avai!ed against the decree of
fate.
while encamped here my Lord heard
jungle fowl stirring, and wished to Shoot
some. Heera Nund carried the big rifle. in
case it should be needed, and he bore his
gun. Idesired to accompany him, but this
was not permitted so these two departed,
and went some distance. All Purmesur!
how can your servant tell what happened.
except from what Heera Nund said; yet.
God knows if it is true, since terror and
afflction had taken away the mans senses.
lie reported that they came to spot
where sal trunks and mohwa grew thickly.
These trees We're covered with creepers,
which hung like curtains from their boughs,
making the light like that of evening, faint
and glimmering.
"a mighty peepul also stood there, half
dead. One part was clothed with dark,
glossy leaves, that which remained shone
white as milk where its bare limbs CLEANED
in the shade. A clump of pale-yellow
bamboos near by waved slowly; there were
ujubes, with thorn bushes all about, their
twigs distilling red tears of lac. o, ye shin
ing ones who know whyi there too waited
the accursed one-silent as a panther who
sees his prey; and when they approached
he stormed out as lightning issues from a
cloud.
"Heera Nund says that while the sahib
snatched his rifle, he climbed vine, but he
knows not in what way security was at
tanned. Ny Lord fired-this he had to do
the elephant was then so
close that bullet could not enter his brain,
but passed through above. 1t did not even
stop him, and instantly the sahib was
thrown high up, so that Heera heard his
body rustic among the leaves. This brute
acted like mad devil; yet what followed
those tearings and tramplings-no one can
speak of, for the shikari shut his eyes and
prayed vekeo!ently, fearing tofaint.
after little remained which could be more
mutilated, the brute rushed away, covered
with blood. This, your highnesses, is what
Heera Nundteld when he returned to camp.
We had heard nothing there-not the
sahib's shot nor those trumpetings or
screams which must have been loud and
high ridge ran between,
while everywhere the forest was very thick,
and smo thered sounds.
Upon examining this place it was found
that the man spoke truth concerning what
happened; also that where the elephant
stood he must have been invisible in such
light. We then took my Lords body, laid
it away in cave, marking the spot care
fully, and returned. God grant there be no
delay in taking vengeance"
CTo lie continued)