348 
THE ELEPHANT. 
light nights when an indescribably soft and en¬ 
chanting light is shed over the slumbering landscape; 
the moon was so bright and clear that I could dis- 
cern even a small animal at a considerable distance. 
I had just completed my arrangements, when a 
noise, which I can liken only to the passage of a train 
of artillery, broke the stillness of the air; it evi¬ 
dently came from the direction of one of the 
numerous stony paths, or rather tracks, leading to 
the water, and I imagined it was caused by some 
waggon that might have crossed the Kalahari desert, 
liaising myself partially from my recumbent pos¬ 
ture, I fixed my eyes steadily on the part of the 
bush whence the strange sounds proceeded; but 
for some time I was unable to make out the cause. 
All at once, however, the mystery was explained by 
the appearance of an immense elephant, immediately 
followed by eighteen others. Their towering forms 
told me at a glance they were all males. It Was a 
splendid sight to behold so many huge creatures 
approaching with a free, sweeping, unsuspecting, 
and stately step. The somewhat elevated ground, 
from which they emerged, and which gradually 
sloped towards the water, together with the misty 
night-air, gave an increased appearance of bulk and 
mightiness to their naturally giant structures. 
Crouching down as low as possible in my 
££ screen,” I waited with beating heart and ready 
rifle the approach of the leading male, who, uncon¬ 
scious of peril, was making straight for my hiding- 
place. His position was, however, unfavourable for 
a good shot; and I therefore reserved my fire, in 
