This was Grantham's opportunity, and, sighting his rifle, he fired.

The beast dropped like a stone, well hit, just behind the shoulder.

The report, however, had scarcely died away before the little Shan held up his hand to attract Grantham's attention.
"What is it ?" the other inquired.
Before the man had time to reply his quick ear caught the sound of a faint call from the jungle on the other side of the _nullah_.

Without doubt it was the English word _help_, and, whoever the man might be who called, it was plain that he was in sore straits.
"What the deuce does it mean ?" said Grantham, half to himself and half to the man beside him.

"Some poor devil got lost in the jungle, I suppose?
I'll go and have a look." Having climbed the bank of the _nullah_, he was about to proceed in the direction whence the cry had come, when he became aware of the most extraordinary figure he had ever seen in his life approaching him.