A Change of Masters 



103 



of all, with a bundle of straw packed beneath 

 each tusk, and a third held in his trunk for 

 gradual consumption on the way. 



As the winter afternoon drew on, there was 

 the arrival in camp, where, under the shelter 

 of the evergreen mango 

 trees, loads were taken 

 off, elephants tethered, 

 fires lighted to cook the 

 evening rations, while 

 some elephants were de- 

 spatched to bring in leaf 

 fodder from fig trees, 

 or long grass from the 

 banks of stream or lake for the night's feed. 

 Then, under the stars throughout the long night, 

 men slept while the elephants fed and rested, 

 lying down for two or three hours at the most 

 in the early morning hours. When dawn came 

 to light up the misty landscape, fires were again 

 lit to cook the morning meal, the elephants 

 were ridden to drink and bathe at the nearest 

 water, their loads were readjusted and the 

 easy march began once more. 



