ELEPHANTS 59 
must be of one of those races and that America 
was probably a colony. 
Fortunately, I had some maps with me. I spread 
them on the floor and held a class in geography, 
with the Sultan and his retinue bending over me, 
listening intently. The Sultan was as enthusiastic 
on the subject of America as if he had discovered 
the country. I told him about our president and 
how he is elected, about the states and governors 
and the legislatures and Congress. 
At last he lost interest in America and asked 
why I had come to Trengganu. I told him I had 
come to trap animals and I wanted his permission. 
He shook his head and replied that there were no 
animals in Trenggant. 
“Tf you will send your messengers out,” I an- 
swered, “you will find that an immense herd of 
elephants is crossing from Pahang into your 
country.” 
“How do you know?” 
“T heard.” It was a Malay answer, and I could 
see that he was interested. A roaming herd of 
elephants is dangerous; it spoils rice crops, terror- 
izes the natives—and most important of all—re- 
duces the Sultan’s income. 
He ordered coffee and Malay cakes and plunged 
into thought. The coffee was muddy and bitter, 
but I drank it joyfully because I knew the Sultan, 
being worried, would probably see the wisdom of 
allowing me to enter his country and capture the 
