chap. v. ASTONISHING THE NA TIVES. 83 



once determined to try it, even at this distance ; at all 

 events, if it failed, and he should charge, I had a fail 

 start, and by getting the spare gun from the tamarind- 

 tree I could make a defence at the cover. 



His attention was completely absorbed in a luxu- 

 rious repast upon a bed of the succulent lotus. He 

 tore up bunches of the broad leaves and snaky stalks, 

 and, washing them carefully with his trunk, he crushed 

 the juicy stems, stuffing the tangled mass into his 

 mouth as a savage would eat maccaroni. Round swung 

 his head once more, the ear flapped, the mark was ex- 

 posed, but the ear again concealed it just as I had 

 raised the rifle. This happened several times, but I 

 waited patiently for a good chance, being prepared for 

 a run the moment after firing. 



Once more his head swung towards me : the sun 

 shone full upon him, and I raised the rifle to be ready 

 for him if he gave me the chance. His ear flapped 

 forward just as his head was at a proper angle for a 

 shot. The mark shone brightly along the sights of 

 the rifle as I took a steady aim ; the answer to the 

 report of the gun was — a dull splash ! 



He had sunk upon his knees stone dead. I could 

 hardly believe my eyes. The sight of so large an ani- 

 mal being killed at such a distance by one shot had 

 an extraordinary effect. I heard a heathenish scream 

 of joy behind me, and upon turning round I perceived 

 the now courageous gun-bearers running towards me 



