My Friend the Elephant 97 



the back of a monster elephant, who was apparently 

 as delighted over the novel sensation as he was proud 

 in his responsibility. I watched the performance 

 for some time ; saw the little band descend from the 

 elephant's back, and their places quickly filled by 

 other eager children ; while all the time the elephant 

 seemed to be fully conscious of his duty and proud 

 of his part in the entertainment. 



After watching the performance for a considerable 

 time, I ventured to approach the keeper of the ele- 

 phant and enter into conversation with him. He 

 seemed very reticent, and I could see that his long 

 association with the dumb animal he had in charge 

 had produced an effect upon the man himself, and 

 upon his conversational powers. I managed, how- 

 ever, to draw him out somewhat and learn something 

 about the animal he was handling. He told me that 

 he and the elephant were the best of friends ; that 

 the animal was good natured, loved children, and 

 was much attached to several other elephants in the 

 garden, especially to a diminutive animal from India 

 that they called the c Baby Elephant.' I ventured to 

 speak to the huge animal who stood there so quietly; 



