Some Da7igers of the Forest 153 



where flourished high grasses densely grown, 

 forming impenetrable cover to those animals, 

 such as the tiger and swamp deer, 

 whose wide feet bore them safely 

 over the ooze. To cross this 

 rivulet at its narrowest part was 

 the task set to Maula Bux by his 

 driver, and, although in his wisdom 

 the animal at first refused the 

 passage, yet, urged once and again, 

 his fore-feet slid reluctantly down 

 the steep bank and he at once sank 

 up to his shoulders in the quick- 

 sand. Immediately water seemed to pour from 

 the soil and a miniature lake was formed around 

 the struggling elephant, while efforts to with- 

 draw his feet seemed to make matters worse. 

 As he sank yet deeper into the liquid sand, 

 his hind-feet were dragged from the bank, and 

 now only his body was visible above the water. 

 His companions quickly dismounted, but could 

 give but little aid. For the elephant lay first 

 on one side and withdrew two lees from the 

 swamp, then rolled heavily over on the other 



