38 The Life of an Elephant 



They had no wish to meet the startled herd, 

 least of all to come within reach of the herd-bull, 

 who might annihilate without difficulty the whole 

 of the encumbered procession. By devious 

 routes, carefully prospecting the ground, they 

 arrived at the footpath leading to the village, and 

 in single file and in silence proceeded on their 

 way. It was sunset by the time they entered 

 the gate, and, passing up the main street, arrived 

 at a curious cage-like construction whose wide- 

 eaved roof rested on stout piles strengthened 

 by cross beams. Into this they persuaded 

 their captive to enter, using force when he pro- 

 posed to resist, and behind him were dropped 

 two cross beams, so that he stood as in a 

 narrow horse box, barely longer than his length 

 or broader than his width, where there was no 

 chance of exerting his strength for escape, and 

 where he would remain, the observed of the 

 village, the plaything of the children, until such 

 time as he became accustomed to the sight of 

 man, patient under handling and docile to the 

 word of command. Now water was given him 

 to drink, fodder was placed within .reach, the 



