We meet eleven Elephants 243 



our surprise, when I witness a spectacle which T shall 

 never forget. 



Medium-sized trees sway backwards and forwards, 

 lianas and foliage half open ; and there appears at the 

 edge of the forest first the back, then the head and 

 body, of an elephant. By its side is another, then 

 one more, and soon there are eleven of them marching 

 straight upon us. Almost in a row as they always 

 are when they eat they proceed quietly, some 

 occupied in Beating lianas and leaves, others grass 

 and fruit. They do not scent us, as the wind blows 

 from right to left between them and us. One or two 

 of them gather up sand and dust with their trunks, 

 blowing it all over their bodies and leaving reddish 

 clouds behind them. Their large ears flap to and fro, 

 and their trunks, moving incessantly, seem to mimic 

 their impressions. I know we are not running any 

 danger; but I do not ignore the fact that we have 

 not a minute to lose if we wish to profit by this meet- 

 ing. To hide being impossible, we must remain 

 motionless. 



While looking for the finest pair of tusks among 

 the five males, which are bigger than the others by 

 a cubit, I take my 8-bore, and Msiambiri gets ready 

 my Express that is, he cocks and holds it with its 

 barrel high, ready to be handed to me. 



For a long time past my men have been asking 

 me to let them kill an elephant on their own account : 

 so, on this particular day, I say to them, "Msiambiri 

 will remain with me. You others can kill an 

 elephant : only, wait until I've fired and you see your 



