THE WAYS OF THE ELEPHANT 79 



became suspicious and, after wandering about, 

 started back over the route they had come. 



When in the open country they spread out 

 and walked abreast, but as soon as a thicket was 

 reached they dropped behind each other and fol- 

 lowed single file. They were constantly tossing 

 dirt and tussocks of grass on and over their 

 backs, fanning themselves with their immense 

 ears and at intervals extending them on each 

 side, which, through the field-glasses, presented 

 a most hideous appearance. As usual, a large 

 flock of cow-herons accompanied them and when 

 these birds lit on the back of an animal they 

 gave it the appearance of being a white-backed 

 elephant. 



Suddenly the launch that was to take us to 

 Nimule rounded a bend in the river and whistled. 

 The elephants turned sharply to the right and 

 ambled off at a rapid rate. A little calf some 

 distance in the rear did not hurry fast enough 

 to suit its mother, and I saw her stop and wait 

 until it came up and then drive it on ahead, 

 occasionally giving it a gentle tap with her 

 trunk. 



