A FEW ELEPHANT STORIES. 193 



he prevented the other from landing, thrusting him back, 

 at every attempt, into the water. The fight was de- 

 clared a draw, and the prize — a load of sugar-cane, of 

 which they are very fond — was divided between them. 



There were several other combats of a like nature, in 

 one of wliicJi the elephants indulged in spouting immense 

 streams of water at each other, but not different in the 

 main from the one I have described. In the evening, 

 when the crowd had departed, we were invited to watch 

 a curious fishing in the river, with otters. These ani- 

 mals, as clever as dogs, dive into the water, and, as 

 they are taught, either drive the fish toward the nets, or 

 help bring the latter ashore, handling the fish with their 

 jaws without hurting them, or breaking them at all. 



The whole performance, lighted up by the flaring 

 torches, is most picturesque. On leaving him the next 

 day, the Nabob presented me with two beautiful ele- 

 phants, and upon one or the other of them I rode 

 many miles through the jungle. Of one of these fine 

 animals he told me an interesting story. 



He was originally the property of an old Indian, rich 

 in gold and in a young and lovely wife. The elephant 

 was a great favorite of the latter, and, if one can use the 

 term of so large a beast, was a family pet. Now the old 

 Brahman died soon after his marriage, and the priests of 

 his religion endeavored to convince his widow that she 

 must sacrifice her life on the funeral pyre, in accordance 

 with the dreadful practice of their church. They held 



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