The Kheddah 133 



more open country. But as evening approached 

 it became evident that the animal had no such 

 intention ; it also became certain that another 

 night without food could not be spent in the 

 forest, and so it was that after a heated dis- 

 cussion the khaki-clad hunter disappeared in 

 the grass on the chance of being able to disable 

 the bull while daylight lasted. On his tracks 

 after a few minutes' hesitation one of the 

 Indians also silently crept ; the third man 

 remained to signal information to his com- 

 panions should opportunity arise. 



There was for a long time silence over the 

 scene ; the passage of the hunters made no stir 

 in the tall grasses. Then suddenly the elephant 

 swung round and stood with uplifted trunk 

 facing some hidden danger. It was a moment 

 of anxious fear for the solitary watchman, till 

 from the top of the grasses a puff of white 

 smoke burst forth and a muffled 

 report reached his ears. The 

 elephant seemed to stagger, 

 and turning, plunged into the 

 grass and disappeared ; a ripple 



