"I am going out to Narkeet; there is a dispute between the villagers
and a Talookdar as to their limits. I have got to look into the
case. Why do you ask, Mr. Hunter?"

"I thought that you might be going that way. You know we have had
several reports of ravages by a man eater whose headquarters seem
to be that big jungle you pass through on your way to Narkeet. He
has been paying visits to several villages in its neighborhood,
and has carried off two mail runners. I should advise you to keep
a sharp lookout."

"Yes, I have heard plenty about him; it is unfortunate we have no
one at this station who goes in for tiger hunting. Young Bloxam
was speaking to me last night; he is very hot about it; but as he
knows nothing about shooting, and has never fired off a rifle in
his life, except at the military target, I told him that it was
madness to think of it by himself, and that he had better ride down
to the regiment at Cawnpore, and get them to form a party to come
up to hunt the beast. I told him they need not bring elephants
with them; I could get as many as were necessary from some of the
Talookdars, and there will be no want of beaters. He said he would
write at once, but he doubted whether any of them would be able
to get away at present; the general inspection is just coming on.
However, no doubt they will be able to do so before long."

"Well, if I were you I would put a pair of pistols into my holster,
Bathurst; it would be awfully awkward if you came across the beast."

"I never carry firearms," the young man said shortly; and then
more lightly, "I am a peaceful man by profession, as you are, Mr.