364 A Sportswoman in India 



alternative. The little calf rushed off, screaming 

 wildly, with its tail erect and its ears distended. 

 One of the party gave chase, and it was secured at last 

 and tied up to a tree with a native's waistcloth. 



Meanwhile, the herd had retreated ; the beaters, 

 alarmed by what had happened, were temporarily dis- 

 organised. However, after a short delay the herd was 

 again beaten out towards the gate, and forced to 

 proceed by blank cartridges and firebrands in the 

 direction of the khedder. Nearer and nearer they rush 

 then stand then rush on again then pull up once 

 more. They are coming will they, or will they 

 not? it still hangs in the balance. Another ad- 

 vance ; there is no choice now. Hustled on by the 

 fifty-five behind him, the first elephant passes the 

 Rubicon. 



Like a reservoir which has burst its dam the whole 

 herd leap forward in a tumult, surging through the 

 gate, the forlorn hope in a desperate assault. Will 

 they ever get through ? No ; yes. A coolie perched 

 on a light branch overhead cuts the rope ; the gate 

 jangles down into its place ; cheer follows cheer as 

 fifty-six elephants are secured to the Madras Govern- 

 ment a valuable prize ! 



Once inside, the great throng rushed wildly about 

 in hopes of finding a means of escape. When com- 

 pletely exhausted they sought the centre of the en- 

 closure, and there awaited motionless the progress of 

 events. 



By-and-by several tame elephants, each ridden by 



