The National tribune., 1899-09-14

of blood, and fatigue, made him weak, while
it was plain that he did not bear much
weight on the wounded limb.
AS often happens with large game, how
ever, exertion prevented him from getting
stiff, and after a time returning strength
showed itself in the character of his stride.
We followed during the day, only making
short halt at water-hole where the ami
NAL stayed to drink and plaster his hurts
with mud; moreover, though compelled to
camp once more, unmistakable indications
assured US that ground was being gained,
and that another march or two would bring
our party up with their foe.
Drawing lots at night for the shot, this
coveted chance fell to Lester. 1t must be
evident from what has be en- said in previous
sketches of incidents which took place on
this hunt, that only one man can meet a
charging elephant fairly.
Two people cannot make the forehead
shot, and outo consideration for ourselves,
! rather than on account of any solicitCde
towards this murderous brute, we were
going to fight like gentlemen, not to slaugh-
ter the beast as a band of savages would
have taken pleasure in doing. AS for
secondary arrangements, there was no
need to make any, where every one knew
what should be done when the plan of at
tack had once been decided upon.
There was thunder in the air next day,
and heavy storm clouds cast deep shadow
over the pass as Khudeck returned from
his scout and met us. He stood by a cliff
where this gorge turned suddenly, and
pointing back said solemnly: "The accursed
one is there, sahibs; his devils have secured
him among rocks and very thick jungle;
but no path leads away save this"
A few more words from our shikari about
distances and positions; then We took open
order, and wheeling our party, advanced
into the ravines walled-up end. High,
steep, rocky barriers hemmed in a large,
irregular oval space. Marshy ground ex-
tended across its further end, large pool
was formed by two rivulets from springs,
and dense thickets of thorn brush grew be-
meath the trees.
Deep in this jungle stood the elephant,
his gigantic form showing indistinctly.
Bennett at once stepped out opposite to him
20 PAGES in front of Lester; his business
being to provoke charge. There was an
off chance that he might get a good aim
also, though that seemed very improbable
until the beast broke out of cover and gave
Lester an opportunity 10 shoot.
Like many another old bull elephant.
however, ours was very cunning. He
fully understood the strength of his posi-
ton, and had no intention of sacrificing its
advantages. In Africa il is very common
for tuskers toget into brakes or backagainst
rocks, when Hamran sword-hunters have
brought them to bay.
! This animal felt comparatively safe be
hind that screen of brush, and knew as well
as we did ii was certain death to enter there.
Thus, as the ShikarieS We're unacquaintcd
with African strategems, as an attack was
impossible, and the creature had to lie
killed, we ordered our attendants into safe
places, and turned aggageers ourselves,
substituting rifles for SOlngen blades.
Considerable experience along the Upper
Nile taught most OF us that an elephants
infirm temper and vacillation of purpose
were to be relied upon; so, preserving The
same formation, we performed diabolical
antics just outside his stronghold, and
barring a manifest inferiority in the way
of picturesqueness and bad language, did
credit to our Arab instructors.
Khudeck and his comrades had never
seen such sight. The grim contrasts be-
tween that scene, what was doing, and
what intended to be done, set them wild, and
they filled the air with prayers, impreca-
tions or warnings. AS for the rogue, he
stood it all awhile in silence, and then his
iaHliy IdiliHSS peSdH " SNOW. Wud
, shrek of rage burst forth, and most of us
fell back slightly, leaving Bennett to keep
up his step dance, which was continued in
a style worthy Of the cool Captains"
reputation.
Then provocation did what it always
does, unless some accident intervenes: the
brake flew to pieces and, shrouded by
spray OF fragments, out came our enemy,
screaming so that one felt stunned. Ben
nett fired two quick shots, which did no
good, flung down his rifle, and lodged with
the agility of an acrobat; but by that time
the great mutilated head, frightful in its
CRIME of dust and blood, rose clear of cover
with lashed-out trunk. There lay his
broad indented brow fully exposed, and
straight and true Lester's heavy bullet
crashed through its depression into the
elephants brain.
(To be continued.) a.