336 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap, xu 



Elephants, buffaloes, and deer were all within a 

 hundred yards of each other : we almost expected to 

 see Noah's ark on the top of the hill. 



Of course the elephants claimed our immediate 

 attention. It was Palliser's turn to lead the way ; and 

 upon entering the forest at the foot of the mountain, 

 we found that the elephants were close to us. The 

 forest was a perfect place for elephant-shooting. 

 Large rocks were scattered here and there among the 

 fine trees, free from underwood ; these rocks formed 

 alleys of various widths, and upon such ground an 

 elephant had no chance. 



There was a large rock the size of a small house 

 lying within a few yards from the entrance of the 

 forest. This rock was split in two pieces, forming a 

 passage of two feet wide, but of several yards in 

 length. As good luck would have it, an elephant 

 stood exactly on the other side, and, Palliser leading 

 the way, we advanced through this secure fort to the 

 attack. 



On arrival at the extreme end, Palliser fired two 

 quick shots, and, taking a spare gun, he fired a third, 

 before we could see what was going on, we being 

 behind him in this narrow passage. Upon passing 

 through we thought the fun was over. He had killed 

 three elephants, and no more were to be seen any- 

 where. 



I lardly had he reloaded, however, when we heard, 



