stream.

So close was the enraged elephant by this time, that Groot Willem, who
was hindmost, felt the tip of its trunk touching the calf of one of his
legs, as he scrambled on to the tree.

The top of the tree was several feet lower than the bank of the river
where its roots still adhered; and in descending the trunk, they had, as
Hendrik said, to "climb downwards."

The branches had lodged on some rocks in the middle of the stream, which
had prevented the tree from being carried away by the current that ran
rapidly past the spot.

For a while, they considered themselves safe; and, although their
situation would have been far from agreeable under ordinary
circumstances, they experienced the indescribable emotions of happiness
that are felt after a narrow escape from some great peril.

The elephant was tearing at the upturned roots of the tree, and making
other impotent attempts to get at them. They were besieged, but in no
danger for the time of a closer acquaintance with the besieger.

On examining their place of refuge, they saw that the rock on which the
tops of the tree rested, was not more than thirty feet in circumference
at the water's edge; and not half that at the top, which was about ten
feet in diameter.

There was but little more than room for them to stand upon it; but, as
the branches were large and long, they had plenty of room to move about,
proceeding in much the same manner as monkeys would have done in a
similar situation.

From the behaviour of the enemy, he seemed to have come to a perfect
understanding of the position in which they were placed; and, for a
minute or two, he appeared to be meditating whether he should abandon
the siege, or continue it.

Meanwhile, the hunters, after resting for a few moments from their late
severe exertion, commenced reloading their rifles and preparing for
further hostilities.

As though aware of their intention, the elephant quietly walked away.

"He is off now," said Groot Willem, "but we had better not be in any
hurry to follow him. I can endure a little more rest."

"I hope we shall not have to make a longer stay than will be agreeable,"
remarked Hendrik. "But we must not leave here until the whole herd has
taken its departure. Unlike any we have seen before, these elephants do
not seem to be the least afraid of us."

The position in which our hunters were placed was several feet below the
level of the river's bank, so that they were unable