204 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
that the mahoot was enabled to spring upon its neck, 
which he reached before the sepoy could execute his 
fatal intentions. Giving the elephant a sign, the co- 
lossal beast struck down the panting soldier with its 
trunk, then placing its fore foot upon his body, crushed 
him to death in an instant. 
The mahoot was tried for murder; and though 
several witnesses proved the fact of the sepoy's de- 
struction by the elephant, the proof of intention on 
the part of the mahoot not being sufficiently substan- 
tiated, the man was acquitted, though little doubt 
could be entertained of his guilt. 
