70 The Wild Elephant. 



Mr. Cripps has related to me an instance in which a 

 recently captured elephant was either rendered senseless 

 from fear, or, as the native attendants asserted, feigned 

 death in order to regain its freedom. It was led from 

 the corral as usual between two tame ones, and had 

 already proceeded far towards its destination ; when, 

 night closing in, and the torches being lighted, it re- 

 fused to go on, and finally sank to the ground, appar- 

 ently lifeless. Mr. Cripps ordered the fastenings to be 

 removed from its legs, and when all attempts to raise it 

 had failed, so convinced was he that it was dead, that 

 he ordered the ropes to be taken off and the carcase 

 abandoned. While this was being done he and a 

 gentleman by whom he was accompanied leaned against 

 the body to rest. Tliey had scarcely taken their de- 

 parture and proceeded a few yards, when, to their 

 astonishment, the elephant rose with the utmost alacrity, 

 and fled towards the jungle, screaming at the top of its 

 voice, its cries being audible long after it had disappeared 

 in the shades of the forest. 



