206 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap, ix 



tank side of the patch of jungle, and immediately com- 

 menced shouting and firing ; securing themselves from 

 an attack by climbing into the highest trees. A short 

 interval elapsed, and not a sound of the elephant could 

 be heard. The firing and shouting ceased, and all was 

 as still as death. Some of the Moormen returned 

 from the jungle, and declared that the elephant was 

 not there ; but this was all nonsense ; the fact was, they 

 did not like the idea of driving him out. Knowing 

 the character of these ' rogues,' I felt convinced that 

 he was one of the worst description, and that he was 

 quietly waiting his time, until some one should advance 

 within his reach. Having given the Moormen a supply 

 of powder, I again despatched them to drive the jungle. 

 Once more the firing and shouting commenced, and 

 continued until their supply of powder was exhausted : 

 no effects had been produced ; it was getting late, and 

 the rogue appeared determined not to move. A dead 

 silence ensued, which was presently disturbed by the 

 snapping of a bough ; in another moment the jungle 

 crashed, and forth stepped the object of our pursuit ! 

 He was a magnificent elephant, one of the most 

 vicious in appearance that I have ever seen ; he under- 

 stood the whole affair as well as we did ; and flourish- 

 ing his trunk, he paced quickly backwards and for- 

 wards for a few turns before the jungle he had just 

 quitted ; suddenly making his resolution, he charged 

 straight at the bush behind which we had imagined 



