290 
THE ELEPHANT. 
the ground was falling, and their motions in con¬ 
sequence quick, we were too late to intercept them. 
As without doubt they had crossed the water, and 
ascended the opposite bank, we therefore searched 
to the right and left for them, frequently taking 
advantage of ravines, that we might march with 
the greater silence. 
“ On leaving one of these hollows for the higher 
ground, that we might obtain a more extended view, 
a dull and heavy sound, as of the trampling of a 
large body of men, reached our ears. The noise 
approached, as also the dust. A squadron of ele¬ 
phants, in total ignorance of our presence, advanced 
with rapid strides towards us. Three in front- 
eleven in all. 
“ I was the first to perceive them. 5 The ele¬ 
phants ! Kotchoba! Boulandja ! Be on your 
guard ! Conceal yourselves amongst the bushes ! 
They are not aware of us. Hold straight, and 
be not afraid. 5 But an irresistible desire, a dia¬ 
bolical impulse, induced each of us to look up. It 
was so natural to assure oneself first of the posi¬ 
tion of the game, and the distance, before firing; 
and in our case the movement probably partly 
proceeded from a feeling of apprehension, because 
the animals were bearing down directly upon us, 
and, if they did not trample us under foot, might 
strike us with their tusks; and, if so, what a 
blow ! Twenty-five paces separated us from them. 
They perceived us. I take the first, and fire: it 
falls, sinking on its knees. Kotchoba addresses 
himself to the second, which also falls on his 
