"Sahib," the Banjara advised, "if the Presence will go on foot, even as he does many times, I will go with him, carrying the spare gun; the tiger knows me well and will wait till we are able to pull his whiskers."
"These Banjaras haven't a bit of fear," Finnerty commented. "Is it good ground for elephants?" he asked.
The Banjara's face clouded. "Sahib, the elephants make much noise. Perhaps the tiger will escape; perhaps if he comes out in an evil way of mind the elephant will run away."
"Well, Swinton, if you'll ride back and get Gilfain—what guns have you?"
"I've a Certus Cordite and my old .450 Express."
"Good as any. Soft-nosed bullets?"
"Yes, I have some."
"Well, use them; we'll be pretty close, and you'll want a stopping bullet if the old chap charges. What's Gilfain got?"
"A battery—a little of everything, from a .22 Mannlicher up to a double-barrel, ten-bore Paradox."
"Tell him to bring the Paradox—it won't take as much sighting as the rifle; Gilfain has probably done considerable grouse shooting. He's almost sure to miss his first tiger; nerves go to pieces generally. I'll get two elephants—you and Lord Victor in one howdah, and I'll take Mahadua in the other."