The Rhatamahatmeyc? s Tale. 99 



vance, and the axemen were divided into two parties, 

 one on either flank, with an equal number of ropemen. 

 The instant that he charged, the whole body of men 

 ran forward at full speed to meet him ; still he con- 

 tinued his furious onset, undismayed by the yells of a 

 hundred men. The spearmen halted when within 

 twenty yards, then turned and fled ; this had been 

 agreed upon beforehand. The elephant passed the 

 two flanks of axemen in pursuit of the flying enemy ; 

 the axemen immediately closed in behind him, led by 

 the husband of the murdered girl. By a well-directed 

 blow upon the hind leg, full of revenge, this active fel- 

 low divided the sinew in the first joint above the foot. 

 That instant the elephant fell upon his knees, but re- 

 covered himself direct!}', and endeavored to turn upon 

 his pursuers ; a dozen axes flashed in the sun-beams, 

 as the strokes were aimed at the other hind leg. It 

 was the work of an instant: the massive limb bent 

 powerless under him, and he fell in a sitting posture 

 uttterly helpless, but roaring with mad and impo- 

 tent fury. The ropemen now threw nooses over his 

 trunk and head ; his struggles, although tremendous, 

 were in vain ; fifty men, hanging their weight upon 

 several ropes attached to his trunk, rendered that 

 dreaded weapon powerless. The sharp lances were 

 repeatedly driven into his side, and several of the 

 boldest hunters climbing up the steep ascent of his 

 back, an axe was seen to fall swiftly and repeatedly 

 upon his spine, on the nape of his tough neck. The 

 giant form suddenly sunk ; the spine was divided, and 

 the avenging blow was dealt by the husband of his late 

 victim. The destroyer was no more. The victory was 

 gained without the loss of a man." 



