46 The Life of an Hephant 



powers ; but up till now none had disputed his 

 authority, none had dreamed of engaging in 

 single combat with such a monster. Yet this 

 happened at last without premeditation, as the 

 result of passions suddenly roused, but, once 

 kindled, not to be quenched save by a fight 

 to a finish. 



The leader of the herd, of which our elephant 

 was still an insignificant member, was leaning 

 carelessly against a tree watching his subjects 

 as they grazed around him. In the outskirts 

 two other bull elephants were wandering list- 

 lessly to and fro ; giving an impression as if 

 they longed yet feared to 

 approach. Presently the one, 

 attracted irresistibly by his 

 desire for company, walked 

 slowly towards the females. 

 The herd-bull, from his post 

 of careless observation, at 

 once started to attention, and with ears 

 extended strode towards the intruder, fully 

 expecting to see him turn and fly, but in this 

 instance the expected did not happen. The 



