394 AUTHOR SHOOTS AN ELEPHANT. 



very few paces, staring and laughing at me in the most im- 

 pudent manner. I threw gravel pebbles at them, but this 

 only served to increase their mockery. I could stand it no 

 lono-er, but hurled my camp-chair at their heads, when they 

 quickly betook themselves to flight. 



Scarcely had they made their exit than I heard the heavy 

 tramp of elephants. At this sound my heart beat violently, 

 but it was only momentarily. The next instant I recovered 

 my self-possession. Pushing my gun gently over the " skarm," 

 I quietly waited (without daring to think of my poor leg) the 

 approach of the giants. Nearer and nearer they came ; their 

 steps were more distinct and measured ; confused forms were 

 seen advancing among the trees. Gradually they assumed 

 shape ; and, lo ! suddenly a huge elephant stood out in bold 

 relief against the sky line; then another, and another, till 

 the ground became alive with their numbers. There must 

 have been at least fifty. They hesitated for a moment, but 

 then came swiftly on by a broad path at right angles to and 

 within a dozen feet of my place of concealment. I scarcely 

 dared to breathe. The leader stood conspicuously forth from 

 the rest, and, as a matter of course, I selected him for a 

 mark. Having allowed the huge creature to pass a few paces 

 beyond me, so as to have an opportunity of a second shot, I 

 gave a low whistle, which instantly arrested the attention of 

 the brutes, who, partially raising their huge ears, and de- 

 scribing with their trunks eccentric circles through the air, 

 seemed anxiously to inquire the cause of the strange noise. 

 This was my opportunity ; and, in an instant, the forest re- 

 sounded with the report of the gun. Curling up his trunk, 

 the stricken animal uttered a faint cry, and, turning sharply 

 round, stago-ered back whence he came. It was clear the 

 wound he had received was mortal ; but, to make more sure, 

 I gave him the contents of my second barrel, though appar- 

 ently without effect. Having reached the skirts of the wood, 

 he tottered, and, plunging violently forward, came heavily 

 to the srround. 



