ELEPHAKTS. 231 



(lie next morning that one of the elephants had fallen 

 into an unfinished trench which had no water in it, and 

 did not know how to get out again. It is supposed 

 that his companions had pulled him out with their 

 trunks, for there were clearly defined marks of their 

 having stationed themselves on each side, some kneel- 

 ing and some standing, and that thus he had been 

 hoisted up. 



The remarkable escape of Lieut. Moo die is one of the 

 most extraordinary encounters on record. A servant 

 informed him that a large troop of elephants was in the 

 vicinity, and that a party had gone out to attack them ; 

 so he started to join in the hunt ; but losing his way iii 

 the jungle, he did not overtake them till they had driven 

 the elephants from their first station. On leaving the 

 jungle, he was going through a meadow on the banks of 

 the Gualana to the spot where the firing had begun, 

 when he was suddenly warned of some danger by the 

 cry of ' Take care ' both in Dutch and English. He 

 heard a crackling behind him occasioned by the elephants 

 breaking through the wood, which was accompanied by 

 their screams. A large female elephant and three of a 

 smaller size departed from the rest and came towards 

 him ; but not being in a good position for firing, Mr. 

 Moodie retreated from their direct path to get a better 

 place from which to take aim, and hoped they would not 

 observe him. They, however, rapidly pursued him. Ho 

 reserved his fire as a last resource, and turning off at a 

 right angle, made for the banks of the river, intending 

 to take refuge among the rocks on the other side. Before 

 this, however, they were close upon him, screaming so 

 tremendously that he was almost stunned by their noise. 

 lie turned upon them, and fired at the head cf the 



