TIGERLAND 



at hand. This was soon dismantled and smaller stacks 

 erected at intervals all round. By the time the circle 

 was completed, darkness had set in. 



As the last stack was set alight the clanking of a chain, 

 sounding louder every moment, announced that the 

 elephant was approaching, and soon the bright light from 

 the fires revealed its monstrous shape looming out of the 

 gloom. With uplifted trunk, and ears cocked forward, it 

 advanced boldly up to the fires, as though intending to 

 dash through ; but suddenly its courage seemed to fail. 

 Pausing for an instant, it turned and retreated to some 

 distance, then, skirting round the camp again, attacked 

 it from the rear. 



But here, the clanking of the chain again betraying 

 its approach, the fires were stoked up, and a blazing pile 

 of faggots once more checked the beast's advance. Never- 

 theless, with stubborn perseverance it carried on the 

 siege ; and though at last, finding every point thus guarded, 

 it ceased to attack, it continued for some time prowling 

 round the camp. Meanwhile we experienced many an 

 anxious moment, as we stood behind the fires, expecting 

 every instant to hear the beast returning. At last, how- 

 ever, to our relief, the animal moved off, as we could tell 

 from the clanking of its chain gradually growing fainter 

 till it died away in the distance. 



We now hoped to enjoy an interval of rest ; but an 

 hour or two later the clanking recommenced, seemingly 

 where the elephants were tethered, and soon a chorus of 

 human voices, mingled with loud trumpetings and squeals, 

 was heard in this direction, followed by what appeared 

 to be a general stampede amongst these animals. But, 

 as was subsequently ascertained, it was the drivers and 

 their attendants who, hearing the beast approaching, had 

 purposely untethered all their elephants, and now, mounted 

 on their respective charges, were trying to surround and 

 capture the intruder. However, they had soon to abandon 

 the attempt, for the animal was too dangerous to approach. 

 Charging furiously several times, it finally overturned one 

 of the smaller elephants, and, breaking through the others, 

 made off in the direction of the forest. 



This was the last that was seen of the animal that 

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