From Elephant Khedder to Crocodile Tank 357 



to join any other, but becomes a solitary wanderer 

 for the rest of its life. Soured in temper, exceedingly 

 ferocious, and attacking without provocation whatever 

 comes in its path, it is known as a rogue elephant. 



At last, at daybreak one morning, the little camp 

 was roused to activity by a note from Captain Z. to 

 say that all things were ready, and that he would expect 

 a party of four to return with the bearer of the note, 

 while the rest of the camp might follow in three days 

 to be present at the culminating and most exciting 

 feature in the whole shikar. 



The four select ones were soon ready to obey the 

 summons. It was a case of roughing it for a few 

 nights ; they duly prepared for the same. The limited 

 kit allowed to each went on ahead on coolies. The two 

 ladies and two men themselves rode a long and 

 tiring ride, principally through jungle and by stony 

 beaten tracks ; but at last the rendezvous was reached ; 

 there stood Captain Z. in the distance, waving a 

 welcome. 



Under the thick trees in the jungle, with a small 

 clearing in front, a couple of little tents had been put 

 up ; some yards away, up against a bank, the servants 

 were cooking ; a big kettle singing over the fire was 

 pleasantly suggestive of tea. Everybody gathered 

 round the camp-table beneath the shadiest tree, rugs 

 spread on the ground, camp-stools, and the visions of 

 a tray brought by the blackest Madrasi in the whitest 

 of white garments, composed a picture which breathed 

 content. 



