of orchid and
flowering tree lit up the scene with glowing colour. Here they heard
the cries of birds, and were just in time to catch sight of the metallic
green, gold, and purple of half a dozen peacocks before they hurried out
of sight among the trees.

Murray obtained a few specimens of parrot and sunbird here, though, in
their half-hour's halt before the leading elephant was started, and once
more plunged into the continuation of the green leafy tunnel, which by
contrast seemed darker than the first part.

By degrees the way of progression grew so wearisome that Ned turned to
his companions to find both fast asleep, and he turned again to gaze
before him at the hind-quarters of his uncle's elephant, feeling sour
and ill-used and heartily sick of the tedious ride.

But all his ill-humour faded away an hour later when the elephants
passed out of the tunnel once more into an undulating paradise of tree
and flower, rising gradually higher and higher to hills that appeared to
be of a lovely blue; and as if roused by the glow of the sun, both Frank
and Tim started up.

"Oh, here we are, then, at last," cried the latter. "Then, I suppose,
the first thing is something to eat."

He was quite right, for about a mile farther on toward the hills, the
elephants were halted close to a stream, over whose glancing water a
huge tree of the fig tribe spread its gigantic branches, and offered a
most tempting refuge from the sun.

The elephants were tethered, and the rajah's men rapidly unloaded the
pannier they had brought, to spread a tempting meal beneath the tree;
and this being ended, the first elephant was again brought into use to
bear Murray, the two boys, and Tim, on toward the hills shooting and
exploring.

This part of the expedition was so beautiful, and the specimens shot so
satisfactory, that the wearisome nature of the journey out was
forgotten, and that back, which had hung before Ned like a cloud, was no
longer thought of.

He said something in respect to it as they walked on beside the
elephant, carrying a spare gun and ammunition, and Frank laughed:

"It was tiring, but we had not had any dinner then, and that makes all
the difference. I say, Mr Murray, suppose a tiger came now, what
should you do?"

"Fire at it, of course."

"With small shot? Oh! I say, hadn't you better load your rifle? I'll
carry it."

"Yes; it would be wise," replied Murray. "You'll promise to give it me
if there is a cha