from the dense bush
towards which they were wending their way. Closing with one of the
nearmost, Hans and two of his companions fired at the heavy shoulder,
which for an instant was exposed to their aim. Responding to the report
of the guns, the elephant trumpeted his defiance; and turning with
rapidity he rushed at the assailants. Small trees and underwood gave
way before the mountain of flesh which was urged against them, and any
inexperienced men would have been in a dangerous position. To be
charged by a savage bull elephant was not, however, any thing very novel
either to Hans or his companions, who at once keeping close together ran
to the more open part of the forest, but where large trees were
abundant. For about forty yards, the three men ran shoulder to
shoulder; but the elephant, with his giant strides, was gaining on them,
and would, it appeared, soon reach his tiny enemies, whose fate would
then be decided. But a hunter is full of expedients, and knows when to
practise them; thus, as the elephant was rushing onwards in a straight
course, Hans shouted, "Now," when instantly the party separated, Hans
turning sharp to the right, his two companions to the left, and each
slipping behind a broad-stemmed tree. The elephant, either undecided
which to pursue, or not seeing the artifice of his enemies, continued
his rush onwards; but before he had gone many yards, the forest again
echoed back the report of the hunters' rifles, and three more bullets
lodged behind the elephant's ear caused him to pitch forward on his
head, his tusks snapping off with a sharp crack, and he rolling to the
ground harmless as the trees around him. Three other elephants that
were badly wounded effected their escape; but the elephant hunters knew
their death warrant had been signed; and so, assembling near the great
elephant's carcass, the successful men drank a "Soupe" of brandy, cut
off the tail of the "game," and for awhile talked over the events of the
hunt. It was then decided to return to the waggons, bring them, with
oxen and horses, near the stream by which they were then seated, and to
hunt the remainder of the herd on horseback; for it was seen that if the
country were not very favourable, but little success would be obtained
if the elephants were pursued on foot. Now that the country had been
alarmed by the report of fire-arms, there was no longer any need for
concealment, so the hunters spread out instead of following in