chap. xii. A JUNGLE TRIP 333 



We arrived at our resting-place, and having erected 

 the tents, we gave them up to Banda and the servants, 

 while we took possession of a large ' amblam,' or open 

 building, massively built by the late Major Rodgers, 

 which is about twenty-five feet square. This we ar- 

 ranged in a most comfortable manner, and here we 

 determined to remain for some days, while we beat 

 the whole country thoroughly. 



Dec. 6. — We started at our usual early hour 

 with Banda and the trackers, and after a walk of about 

 a mile, we found fresh tracks and followed up. Cross- 

 ing a small river upon the track, we entered a fine 

 open forest, through which the herd had only just 

 passed, and upon following them for about a quarter 

 of a mile, we came to a barrier of dense chenar jungle, 

 into which the elephants had retreated. 



There was a rogue with this herd, and we were 

 rather doubtful of his position. We stood in the open 

 forest, within a few feet of the thick jungle, to the edge 

 of which the elephants were so close that we could 

 hear their deep breathing ; and by stooping down we 

 could distinguish the tips of their trunks and feet, 

 although the animals themselves were invisible. We 

 waited about half an hour in the hope that some of 

 the elephants might again enter the open forest ; at 

 length two, neither of whom were above five feet high, 

 came out and faced us. My dress of elastic green 

 tights had become so browned by constant washing 



