XIV 
THE BUFFALO 
6 7 
from the isolated patch, into which we expected the 
elephant to be driven. 
The beaters were thoroughly experienced, the 
wind was favourable, and in a short time the heavy 
splashing in the water warned us that the elephant 
had retreated from the lake into the clump of bush, 
exactly as we had expected. The beaters closed up, 
but nothing moved. 
There was no doubt that the rogue was there, 
but the difficulty had commenced. Who was to 
drive it out ? The soil was muddy, and the men 
could not move quickly, therefore they refused to 
venture within the thorny bush, where escape would 
have been impossible. I gave the men a gun, and 
ordered them to commence at the rear of the isolated 
patch, to fire several shots, to shout, and by these 
means to drive the elephant in the required 
direction. 
This plan was adopted. We heard two or three 
shots, the beaters had ascended the trees, from 
which they were shouting like demons, and suddenly 
a magnificent rogue elephant, a gigantic bull, 
emerged from the jungle, and advanced majestically 
in direct line for my concealed position. It was a 
grand sight, and having thorough confidence in my 
rifle, I disdained concealment, and stood in front of 
my bush to meet him. The instant that the rogue 
discovered me, his demeanour changed ; for a 
moment he halted, then swung his head to and fro, 
and without further introduction he charged full 
speed upon me. I awaited quietly, covering the 
