Chap. II.] HABITS WHEX WILD. 809 



become (although they had been roaring and breaking 

 the jungle tlu^oughout the day and evening), that not 

 a movement was now to be heard. The huge vidette 

 remained in his position, still as a rock, for a few minutes, 

 and then made three successive stealthy advances of 

 several yards (halting for some minutes between each, 

 with ears bent forward to catch the shghtest sound), 

 and in tliis way he moved slowly up to the water's edge. 

 Still he did not venture to quench liis thirst, for though 

 his fore feet were partially in the tank and his vast 

 body was reflected clear in the w^ater, he remained for 

 some minutes hsteiiing in perfect stillness. Not a mo- 

 tion could be perceived in himself or his shadow. He 

 returned cautiously and slowly to the position he 

 had at first taken up on emerging from the forest. 

 Here in a httle wliile he was joined by five others, 

 Avith which he again proceeded as cautiously, but less 

 slowly than before, to mthin a few yards of the tank, 

 and then posted his patrols. He then re-entered the 

 forest and collected around him the whole herd, 

 which must have amounted to between 80 and 100 

 mdividuals, — led them across the open ground with 

 the most extraordinary composure and quietness, till 

 he joined the advanced guard, when he left them for a 

 moment and repeated liis former reconnoissance at the 

 edge of the tank. After which, and having apparently 

 satisfied lumself that aU was safe, he retiu^ned and ob- 

 viously gave the order to advance, for in a moment the 

 whole herd rushed into the water wdth a dejjjree of 

 unreserved confidence, so opposite to the caution and 

 timidity which had marked their previous movements, 

 that nothing will ever persuade me that there was not 

 rational and preconcerted co-operation throughout the 

 whole party, and a degree of responsible authority exer- 

 cised by the patriarch leader. 



" Wlien the poor animals had gained possession of the 

 tank (the leader being the last to enter), they seemed to 

 abandon themselves to enjoyment without restraint or 



X 3 



