170 The Life of an Elephant 



It was not long- before he was missed by 

 Kareem and the alarm was raised ; an alarm 

 which grew as the broad trail was followed 

 and the extent of the mischief done proved the 

 violent temper of the runaway. The men 

 followed mounted on many female elephants 

 and bearing ropes and shackles to lead away 

 their captive. But it was not till nightfall that 

 they found him, and it was then too late to make 

 any attempt on his liberty. With break of day 

 they were again on the trail, and discovered 

 Maula Bux standing in the vantage ground of a 

 small lake in the heart of the forest. They 

 surrounded the lake, but were disappointed that 

 the tusker would not fly from them, but stood 

 awaiting their pleasure. They, losing courage, 

 waited around discussing the safest method 

 of approach. But a safe way was hard to find. 

 As the female elephants approached within 

 striking distance Maula Bux charged down 

 upon them with a shrill scream of rage. Those 

 that he encountered were violently thrown to 

 the ground, the others scattered and fled, and 

 the victor watched with sullen eye the removal 



