Early Experiences 37 



the hunted ; he turned and stood silent in the 

 shade of a large tree, indifferent to a fate he 

 felt powerless to escape from. 



The hunters approached softly on either side 

 of him, and in silence allowed the hunting 

 elephants to caress the captive and soothe his 

 fears ; he made no response, either of anger 

 or impatience, till the ropes were secured round 

 his neck and he was invited to proceed with his 

 captors. Then once more, when too late, he 

 made an effort for freedom, rushing wildly to 

 every side, to be checked each time by the 

 ropes attached to the elephants, finally throw- 

 ing himself on the ground and lying there 

 immovable, irresponsive to the pricks of sharp 

 knives, to shouts and exhortations, not yielding 

 till the last weapon of man, in the shape of a 

 burning torch of dried grass, was brought close 

 to his body. Then with instinctive dread he 

 rose suddenly to his feet and dragged his 

 captors away with him in hasty flight, till, 

 breathless, he again surrendered and moved 

 quietly in whichever direction the party 

 proceeded. 



