ELEPHANTS 63 



In building the trap we took great care not to 

 disturb the jungle through which the elephants 

 were to be driven. Like all jungle animals, elephants 

 can see at night, and there is always the danger of 

 a stampede unless precautions are taken against 

 arousing suspicion. The jungle leading up to the 

 wings was untouched; and the wings and the trap 

 could scarcely be distinguished from the dense 

 growth that surrounded them. In the runway and 

 in the trap the jungle was still standing without 

 injury. 



When the stockade was completed, an old Sia- 

 mese priest offered to perform the ceremony that 

 would bring the blessing of the deity of the jungle 

 upon the drive. A white cock was found and fast- 

 ened in the center of the trap. The priest selected 

 a hundred men and stationed them near the entrance 

 with fruits and branches of trees; then, with two 

 natives, he withdrew into the jungle. Presently we 

 heard them shouting. They came through the un- 

 dergrowth, chanting and striking the trees with 

 their spears and parangs. The priest rushed 

 through the runway into the trap and seized the 

 cock. With his knife he severed its head. Then, 

 while the natives joined in a chorus of shouts, he 

 ran about the trap, sprinkling the blood. Instead 

 of coming out through the gate, he crawled between 

 the posts. The ceremony ended, and the natives 

 were ready to begin the hunt. 



Word came from the men who were watching 



