Soldiering and Sport in Uganda 



at every tree, wondering what the distance was, and 

 whether I could pick off an elephant at that range, 

 and what I would do if he charged me, and whether 

 the trees in the vicinity were likely to be stout 

 enouofh to afford cover. You will understand I had 

 had a severe shock two days previous from my 

 friend the buffalo, which had taught me not to sneer 

 at possible dangers, however rare their occurrence 

 might be. The sun was hot, however, and, with 

 the addition of a little excitement, I soon warmed 

 to the game. 



Coming over a hill I at last spotted an elephant 

 regaling himself with his midday siesta and totally 

 oblivious of any approaching annoyance. I tried 

 the wind, but it was doubtful. I examined the tusks 

 through my glasses, and they seemed of doubtful 

 size. My orderly now confided that single elephants 

 were always prone to great anger, which I believe 

 is more or less true. I directed the hunters to 

 approach up wind as far as was possible. Suddenly, 

 when I was within a hundred yards, our friend 

 awoke, arose and unfortunately discovered danger. 

 I looked back to tell my orderly that, as the 

 elephant had only very mediocre tusks, I had 

 decided not to shoot him, when a hurried whisper 

 from him turned me round with a start. Suddenly 

 up went his trunk, and out his ears like studding 

 sails, and he started absolutely in a straight line for 

 my locality. . Very unkind and most unnecessary ! 

 I was much unnerved, and knowing I must do the 

 deadly deed or things would go badly, I darted to 



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