Early Experiences 33 



a valuable servant. When young the elephant, 



after a day's work, was turned loose in a 



forest with a heavy iron chain 



attached to one leg, whereby 



his movements left a trail 



easily followed by his owner. 



As his labour and time became 



more valuable, food of the 



cheapest would be brought to 



him, and when older he would 



probably be given a weekly ration of wheaten 



cakes, of sugar or butter to assist in appeasing 



his growing appetite. 



Thus it was that one morning before the 

 sudden dawn had sprung into the sky, at the 

 stillest hour, when man is yet asleep, and when 

 animals are seeking their rest, the village gate 

 was opened, and a tiny party of two elephants 

 and four men passed out into the dimness of 

 the forest and disappeared from sight. On the 

 narrow path the feet of the elephants made 

 no sound ; from time to time in passing under 

 the arched bamboos a stem was struck and 

 instantly responded with a shower of dew, 



