Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-03-04

Miraculous ESCAPE FROM AN ELEPHANT.
1t was one of those magnificent tropical
moonlight nights, when an indescribable soft
and enchanting light shed over the slumber-
ING landscape; the moon was so bright and
clear that | could discern even small ami
NAL at considerable distance.
| had just completed my arrangements
when a noise that can liken only to the pas
sage of a train of artillery broke the stiffness
of the air; it evidently came from the direc-
ton Of one of the numerous stony paths, or
rather tracks, leading to to the water and
imagined it was caused by some wagons, that
have crossed the Kalahari. Raising myself
partially from my recumbent position, | fix
ed my eyes steadily on the part cf the bush
whence the strange sound proceeded, but for
some time was unable to make out the cause.
All at once, however, the mystery was ex-
planned by the appearance of an immense ell
ephant, Immediately followed by others,
amounting to eighteen. Their towering forms
told me at "a glance that they were males.-
1t was splendid sight to behold so many
huge creatures approaching with free,
unsuspecting and stately step. The some
what elevated ground whence they emerged
and which gradually slopcd toward the water,
together with the misty night air, gave an in
creased appearance of bulk and mightiness
to their naturally giant structures.
Crouching down as low as possible in the
" skarm," waited with beating heart and
ready rifle the approach of the leading male,
who, unconscious of peril, was making straight
for my hiding place. The position of bis
body, however, was unfavorable for shot ;
and knowing from experience that had lit
tie chance of obtaining more than single
good one, waited for an opportunity of fir
ing at his shoulder which is preferable to any
other part when shooting at night. But
this Glance, unfortunately, was not afforded
till his enormous bulk lowered above my
head. The consequence was that while in
the act of raising the muzzle of my rifle over
the +" skarm," my body caught his eye, and
before / could place the piece to my shoul-
der, he swung himself round, and with his
trunk elevated and ears spread, desperately
charged me. 1t was too late now to think
of flight, and much less of Staying the saw
age beast. My own life was in iminent jeop-
ardy; and seeing that if remained partial
ly erect he would inevitably seize me with
his proboscis, l threw myself on my back
with violence, in which position, and without
shopldering my rifle, | fired upward at ran
dom toward his chest, uttering at the same
time the most piercing shouts and cries.
The change of position, in all human proba-
bility, saved my life; for, at the same in
slant, the trunk of the enraged animal de.
scended precisely on the spot where / had
been previously crouched; sweeping away
the stones--many of large size-that form.
ed the fore part of my "skarm" like SO many
pebbles In another moment bis broad fore
feet passed directly over my face.
now expected nothing short Of being
crushed to death. But imagine my relie
when, instead of renewing the charge, be
swerved to the6eft, and moved off with con-
siderable rapidity, most happily without my
having received other injuries than few
bruises, occasioned by the falling Of the
stones. Under Providence, l attribute my
extraordinary escape to the confusion of the
animal, caused by the wound had inflicted