the place, took a general view of
the country, settled the line in which the beat should take place,
and arranged for a large body of beaters to be on the spot at the time
agreed on.

Bathurst undertook to obtain the elephants from two Zemindars in the
neighborhood, who promised to furnish six, all of which were more or
less accustomed to the sport; while the Major and Mr. Hunter, who had
been a keen sportsman, although he had of late given up the pursuit of
large game, arranged for a number of bullock carts for the transport of
tents and stores.

Bathurst himself declined to be one of the party, which was to consist
of Mr. Hunter and his eldest daughter, the Major and Isobel, the Doctor,
the two subalterns, and Captain Forster. Captain Doolan said frankly
that he was no shot, and more likely to hit one of the party than the
tiger. Captain Rintoul at first accepted, but his wife shed such floods
of tears at the idea of his leaving her and going into danger, that for
the sake of peace he agreed to remain at home.

Wilson and Richards were greatly excited over the prospect, and talked
of nothing else; they were burning to wipe out the disgrace of having
missed on the previous occasion. Each of them interviewed the Doctor
privately, and implored him to put them in a position where they were
likely to have the first shot. Both used the same arguments, namely,
that the Doctor had killed so many tigers that one more or less could
make no difference to him, and if they missed, which they modestly
admitted was possible, he could still bring the animal down.

As the Doctor was always in a good temper when there was a prospect of
sport, he promised each of them to do all that he could for them, at the
same time pointing out that it was always quite a lottery which way the
tiger might break out.

Isobel was less excited than she would have thought possible over the
prospect of taking part in a tiger hunt. She had many consultations
to hold with Mrs. Hunter, the Doctor, and Rumzan as to the food to be
taken, and the things that would be absolutely necessary for camping
out; for, as it was possible that the first day's beat would be
unsuccessful, they were to be prepared for at least two days' absence
from home. Two tents were to be taken, one for the gentlemen, the other
for Isobel and Mary Hunter. These, with bedding and camp furniture,
cooking utensils and provisions, were to be sent off at daybreak, while
the party were t