282 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap. xii. 



I thought it was a herd, but I almost immediately 

 noticed the constrained and unnatural positions in 

 which they were standing. They were all tied to dif- 

 ferent trees by the legs, and upon approaching the 

 spot, we found an encampment of Arabs and Moormen 

 who had been noosing elephants for sale. We at 

 once saw that the country was disturbed, as these 

 people had been employed in catching elephants for 

 some weeks. 



After a ride of seven or eight miles along the 

 plain, I discovered a thin blue line of smoke rising 

 from the edge of a distant forest, and shortly after, I 

 could distinguish forms moving on the plain in the 

 same direction. Cantering towards the spot, we found 

 our coolies and encampment. The tents were pitched 

 under some noble trees, which effectually excluded 

 every ray of sun. It was the exact spot upon which I 

 had been accustomed to encamp some years ago. 

 The servants had received orders when they started 

 from Kandy, to have dinner prepared at five o'clock 

 on the 17th of November ; it was accordingly ready 

 on our arrival. 



Minneria was the appointed rendezvous from which 

 this trip was to commence. Our party was to consist 

 of the Honourable E. Stuart Wortley, 1 E. Palliser, Esq., 

 Lieutenant V. Baker, S. W. Baker. My brother had 



' The present Lord Wharnclifle. 



