290 THE ELEPHANT. 



the ground was falling, and their motions in con- 

 sequence quick, we were too late to intercept them. 

 As without doubt they had crossed the water, and 

 ascended the opposite bank, we therefore searched 

 to the right and left for them, frequently taking 

 advantage of ravines, that we might march with 

 the greater silence. 



" On leaving one of these hollows for the higher 

 ground, that we might obtain a more extended view, 

 a dull and heavy sound, as of the trampling of a 

 large body of men, reached our ears. The noise 

 approached, as also the dust. A squadron of ele- 

 phants, in total ignorance of our presence, advanced 

 with rapid strides towards us. Three in front- 

 eleven in all. 



"I was the first to perceive them. 'The ele- 

 phants ! Kotchoba ! Boulandja ! Be on your 

 guard ! Conceal yourselves amongst the bushes ! 

 They are not aware of us. Hold straight, and 

 be not afraid.' But an irresistible desire, a dia- 

 bolical impulse, induced each of us to look up. It 

 was so natural to assure oneself first of the posi- 

 tion of the game, and the distance, before firing ; 

 and in our case the movement probably partly 

 proceeded from a feeling of apprehension, because 

 the animals were bearing down directly upon us, 

 and, if they did not trample us under foot, might 

 strike us with their tusks ; and, if so, what a 

 blow ! Twenty-five paces separated us from them. 

 They perceived us. I take the first, and fire : it 

 falls, sinking on its knees. Kotchoba addresses 

 himself to the second, which also falls on his 



