ELEPHANTS 59 



must be of one of those races and that America 

 was probably a colony. 



Fortunately, I had some maps with me. I spread 

 them on the floor and held a class in geography, 

 with the Sultan and his retinue bending over me, 

 listening intently. The Sultan was as enthusiastic 

 on the subject of America as if he had discovered 

 the country. I told him about our president and 

 how he is elected, about the states and governors 

 and the legislatures and Congress. 



At last he lost interest in America and asked 

 why I had come to Trengganu. I told him I had 

 come to trap animals and I wanted his permission. 

 He shook his head and replied that there were no 

 animals in Trengganu. 



"If you will send your messengers out," I an- 

 swered, "you will find that an immense herd of 

 elephants is crossing from Pahang into your 

 country." 



"How do you know ?" 



"I heard." It was a Malay answer, and I could 

 see that he was interested. A roaming herd of 

 elephants is dangerous; it spoils rice crops, terror- 

 izes the natives and most important of all re- 

 duces the Sultan's income. 



He ordered coffee and Malay cakes and plunged 

 into thought. The coffee was muddy and bitter, 

 but I drank it joyfully because I knew the Sultan, 

 being worried, would probably see the wisdom of 

 allowing me to enter his country and capture the 



