The Kheddah 



127 



elephant soon became evident, and the wild 

 tusker turned to flee. With a scream of rage 

 Maula Bux pursued and butted the flying 

 foe with his blunted tusks. Had these been 

 of full length and sharp, they would certainly 

 have sunk deep into the hind-quarters of the 

 adversary, but as it was, the defeated elephant 

 pitched forward on to 

 trunk and knees, then re- 

 covered himself and fled 

 into the shelter of the 

 forest. Maula Bux was 

 prevented by his mahout 

 from following up his 

 victory; he stood to re- 

 ceive the compliments and 

 endearments of his driver, 

 and after giving a scream of triumph with 

 uplifted trunk, resumed his position on one 

 side of the troop of elephants. 



These now started for camp in single file, a 

 captive between every two tame elephants ; 

 they seemed dejected at their fate, and made 

 but litde effort to escape. From time to time 



