get, so you had better
toddle."

_Hoomph_! grunted the elephant.

"What do you mean by that?"

_Phoonk_! came in a hollow-sounding grunt.

"Oh, why didn't you speak plain? Want water, do you? Can't spare any.
My young governor wants a good wash. Go on down to the river. There's
plenty there. Good old chap," he continued, softly stroking the trunk;
and after a low, muttering sound the elephant submitted to the caresses,
and then began to respond.

"Take care, Pete!" said Archie in a low whisper.

"All right, sir. He knows me."

"But he may turn spiteful. A blow from an elephant's trunk would dash
you across the place."

"Oh, he isn't going to dash me--are you, old man?"

"Take care!" whispered Archie hoarsely, for the great serpentine trunk
glided completely round Peter and drew him close up to the hole, raising
him from the ground, so that he hung three or four feet above the dried
leaves.

"Ah-h!" sighed Archie, with an ejaculation of relief, as the elephant
lowered the lad again and withdrew his trunk through the hole, and the
two young men heard the soft movements of his huge, yielding feet as he
slowly shuffled off, making a deep, low, muttering sound.

"There, Mister Archie, what do you think of that?"

"Think!" said the lad excitedly. "I was afraid the brute would crush
you to death."

"Not he, sir. Didn't you see what friends we were?"

"Oh yes; but they are dangerous friends."

"He isn't going to be dangerous to us, sir. I am glad you woke up. I
wanted you to see him; and now you know how easy it will be for us to
escape. Once I get you on his back, he will take us to camp as easy as
you please."

"Yes, once we are on his back," sighed Archie. "But how's that to be
managed?"

"Oh, you want your breakfast, sir. You've got the dismal empties bad.
Now, what do you say--a cup of water and a bit of bread to soak in it,
or shall I give you a wash first?"

"A wash! Oh Pete, if you could only bathe that place on my head first,
I feel as if it would be so refreshing."

"All right, sir. Plenty of water. That's why I wouldn't give any to
the helephant. You've got a handkerchy, and I shall have to trouble you
for that there tie as well; that silky thing will do to bathe the place
nicely, and the handkerchy to dry you with.--No, it won't. I never
thought of that."

"Oh yes, take them," said Archie eagerly. "The tie will soon dry
again."

"Yes, I know that, sir; but your pugga