IV 
THE ELEPHANT 
123 
manner. This converts the ordinary blade into a 
two-handed sword, a blow from which will sever a 
naked man into two halves if delivered at the waist. 
It may be imagined that a quick cut from such a 
formidable weapon will at once divide the hamstring 
of any animal. The usual method of attacking the 
elephant is as follows :—Three, or at the most four 
mounted hunters sally forth in quest of game. When 
the fresh tracks of elephants are discovered they are 
steadily followed up until the herd, or perhaps the 
single animal, is found. If a large male with valuable 
tusks, it is singled out and separated from the herd. 
The leading hunter follows the retreating elephant, 
accompanied by his companions in jingle file. After 
a close hunt, keeping within 10 yards of the game, 
a sudden halt becomes necessary, as the elephant 
turns quickly round and faces its pursuers. 
The greatest coolness is required, as the animal, 
now thoroughly roused, is prepared to charge. The 
hunters separate to right and left, leaving the leader 
to face the elephant. After a few moments, during 
which the hunter insults the animal by shouting un¬ 
complimentary remarks concerning the antecedents 
of its mother, and various personal allusions to 
imaginary members of the family, the elephant 
commences to back a half-dozen paces as a prelim¬ 
inary to a desperate onset. This is the well-known 
sign of the coming charge. A sharp shrill trumpet! 
and, with its enormous ears thrown forward, the 
great bull elephant rushes towards the apparently 
doomed horse. As quick as lightning the horse is 
