chap. v. APPROACHING A TANK ROGUE. 8; 



In the event of a retreat being necessary, this covei 

 would therefore be my point. There was a large 

 tamarind-tree growing alone upon the plain about a 

 hundred and fifty paces from the water's edge, exactly 

 in a line with the position of the elephant. The mud 

 plastered to a great height upon the stem showed this 

 to be his favourite rubbing-post after bathing. 



Having determined upon my plan of attack, I took 

 the guns from the gun-bearers and sent the men u;> the 

 tree, as I knew they would run away in the eve t of 

 danger, and would most probably take the guns with 

 them in their flight. Having thus secured the arms, I 

 placed the long two-ounce against a large and con- 

 spicuous tree that grew upon the extreme edge of the 

 forest, and I cautiously advanced over the open plain 

 with my two remaining guns, one of which I deposited 

 against the stem of the single tamarind-tree. I had 

 thus two points for a defensive retreat, should it be 

 necessary. 



I had experienced considerable difficulty in attain- 

 ing my position at the tamarind-tree without being 

 observed by the elephant ; fortunately, I had both the 

 wind and the sun favourable, the latter shining from my 

 back full into the lake. 



The elephant was standing with his back to the 

 shore exactly in a line with me, and he was swinging 

 his great bead from side to side, and flapping his ears 

 in the enjoyment of his bath I left the tree with my 



