THE ELEPHANT 55 



time as it seemed to me, a slight movement ex- 

 posed a dull gleam of ivory in the high herbage 

 as an exceptionally large beast took a step or two 

 forward. I felt sure he must be the tusker, and 

 my opinion was shared by my Yao companion. 

 I took a rapid sight, therefore, upon the depression 

 in front of the ear which marks the temple and 

 fired. The huge creature instantly fell to the 

 shot, whilst his companions wheeled round and, 

 trumpeting shrilly, dashed off into the jungle and 

 were speedily lost to sight. 



We hurriedly descended and reached the 

 fallen monster, but one glance was sufficient to 

 fill me with disappointment and exasperation. 

 I had shot the wrong one. Instead of the 

 splendid tusks I fondly hoped I was adding to 

 my collection of ivory, my gaze fell upon two 

 small insignificant objects which on being weighed 

 barely turned the scale at 22 lbs. apiece. It was 

 bad luck, of course, so there was nothing for it 

 but to combine one's entire stock of philosophy 

 and Christian fortitude, chop out the tusks and 

 go home. That night the gunboat was due to 

 arrive, and actually did so the following morning, 

 so I never had another chance to try conclusions 

 with the big tusker. 



The nickel-covered '450 bullet killed this 

 elephant instantly. He required no second shot, 

 but I would here indite a word of advice to sports- 

 men which may save much disappointment, espe- 

 cially with those who habitually hunt elephants 

 with rifles of small bore. If, on having dropped 

 your beast with a head shot, he should so much as 



