32 ROUGHING IT IN SOUTHERN INDIA 



A space was first cleared for the giant's fall where nothing 

 could be harmed. Rama was evidently the brain of the 

 three partners, for they consulted him when pretty well 

 through the trunk by stopping and looking at him, which 

 meant that he was to test it to see whether they should 

 go on cutting any longer, and if so, at what point to aim 

 their blows. He knew by trying with his forehead what 

 resisting power was left ; how he knew is the marvel, for 

 no one could teach him that, but know he did. It was 

 supremely interesting to watch him stand with his grand 

 head pressed against the trunk, every muscle in his body 

 taut, but only for a few seconds, not to waste his strength ; 

 then, if his judgment declined the task, he would step aside 

 for the axemen to put in another ringing stroke or two ; 

 and again it was their turn to stand by while partner Rama 

 made another trial. He knew, without having been taught, 

 the old axiom of the weakest point, and brought all his 

 strength to bear upon that. As soon as he was satisfied 

 the men were so, nor would they have dared an extra blow. 

 Not having his intuitive knowledge they left it to him, their 

 own safety included. When Rama's instinct told him he 

 could do it he did not move aside, only lifted his head 

 and looked all round, in a way that said plainly enough 

 that the time had come for all to keep clear, that he was 

 now going to pit himself against the tree, and that the tree 

 would have to go. Not till every one was at a safe distance 

 would he begin. Then again lowering his head he pressed 

 and pressed, with forehead and bent knee, while the tree 

 creaked and groaned, and fell over just where it was meant 

 to fall. The three, men and elephant, were trembling, for 

 it had been a task of strength and nerve for all of them. 

 Then the axemen did a pretty thing ; they went up to old 

 Rama and downright kissed him, rubbing their faces against 

 his! 



After such exhibitions of special skill we used to give a 



