134 The Life of an Elephant 



seemed to mark his course till he emerged on 

 the further side of the swamp and entered the 

 forest at a swinging trot. The watcher re- 

 joined his companions, and together they 

 inspected the ground ; then, as the sun was 

 sinking, they struck off in another direction 



and reached a village where much needed food 

 and warmth were found. 



The elephant soon subsided into a rapid 

 walk, which became slower as weakness followed 

 the loss of blood ; he seemed astonished at 

 what had befallen him and frightened at his 

 growing weakness. No rage was in his heart 

 as he pursued his weary way, leaving a trail 

 which required no care or cunning to follow. 



