THE ELEPHANT. 675 



to more favorable ground. ' Never mind,' replied Taher ; ' Inshallah 

 (please Godj, he shall not beat us.' He now advised me to keep as 

 close to him as possible, and to look sharp for a charge. 



" The elephant stood facing us like a statue ; it did not move a 

 muscle beyond a quick and restless action of the ej'es that were watch- 

 ing all sides. Taher Sherrif and his brother now separated, and, passing 

 at opposite sides of the elephant, joined each other about twenty yards 

 behind it. In front were two of the hock-cutters; one of them, named 

 Roder Sherrif, rode an experienced bay mare. She advanced close up 

 to her antagonist until within eight or nine yards of his head. For an 

 instant not a word was spoken. Then I saw the white of one of its eyes 

 gleam. 'Look out, Roder! he's coming,' I exclaimed. With a shrill 

 scream the elephant dashed upon him like an avalanche. Round went 

 the mare as though upon a pivot, and away over rocks and stones, flying 

 like a gazelle, with the monkey-like form of little Roder Sherrif leaning 

 forward and looking over his left shoulder as the elephant rushed after 

 him. For a moment I thought he must be caught. Had the mare 

 stumbled, all were lost ; but she gained in the race after a few quick, 

 bounding strides, and Roder, still looking behind him, kept his distance 

 30 close to the elephant that its outstretched trunk was within a few feet 

 of the mare's tail. 



" Taher Sherrif and his brother Ibrahim swept down like falcons in 

 the rear. In full speed, they dexterously avoided the trees until they 

 arrived upon open ground, when they dashed up close to the hind- 

 quarters of the furious elephant, which, maddened with the excitement, 

 heeded nothing but Roder and his mare, now almost within its grasp. 

 When close to the tail of the elephant, Taher Sheriff's sword flashed 

 from its sheath, as, grasping his trusty blade, he leaped nimbly to the 

 ground, while Ibrahim caught the reins of his horse. 



" Two or three bounds on foot, with the sword clutched in both 

 hands, and he was close behind the elephant. A bright glance shone 

 like lightning as the sun struck upon the descending steel. This was 

 followed by a dull crack, as the sword cut through skin and sinews, 

 and settled deep in the bone about twelve inches above the foot. At the 

 next stride the elephant halted dead short in the midst of its charge. 



" Taher had jumped quickly on one side, and had vaulted into the 

 saddle with his naked sword in hand. At the same moment Roder, who 

 had led the chase, turned sharp round, and again faced the elephant as 



