and I proposed that he should endeavour to drive the
animal to more favourable ground. “ Never mind,”
replied Taher, “ Inshallah (please God) he shall not
beat us.” He now advised me to keep as close to him
as possible, and to look sharp for a charge.
The elephant stood facing us like a statue ; it did
not move a muscle beyond à quick and restless action
of the eyes, that were watching all sides. Taher
Sherrif and his youngest brother Ibrahim now
separated, and each took opposite sides of the
elephant, and then joined each other about twenty
yards behind it ; I accompanied them, until Taher
advised me to keep about the same distance upon the
left flank. My Tokrooris kept apart from the scene,
as they were not required. In front of the elephant
were two aggageers, one of whom was the renowned
Eodur Sherrif, with the withered arm. All being
ready for action, Rodur now rode slowly towards the
head of the cunning old bull, who was quietly
awaiting an opportunity to make certain of some one
who might give bim a good chance.
Rodur Sherrif rode a bay mare, that, having been
thoroughly trained to these encounters, was perfect at
her work. Slowly and coolly she advanced towards
her wary antagonist, until within about eight or nine
yards of the elephant’s head ; the creature never
moved, and the mise en scène was beautiful ; not a
word was spoken, and we kept our places amidst
utter stillness, which was at length broken by
a snort from the mare, who gazed intently at
the elephant, as though watching for the moment of
attack.
One more pace forward, and Rodur sat coolly upon
his mare, with his eyes fixed upon those of the
elephant. For, an instant I saw the white of the eye
nearest to me ; “ Look out, Rodur ! he’s coming ! ”
I exclaimed. With a shrill scream, the elephant
dashed upon him like an avalanche !
Round went the mare as though upon a pivot, and
away over rocks and stones, flying like a gazelle, with
the monkey-like form of little Rodur Sherrif leaning
forward, and looking over his left shoulder as the
elephant rushed after him.
For a moment I thought he must be caught. Had
the mare stumbled, all were lost ; but she gained in
thé race after a few quick bounding strides, and
Rodur, still looking behind him, kept his distance so
close to the elephant, that its outstretched trunk was
within a few feet of the mare’s tail.
Taher Sherrif and his brother Ibrahim swept down
like falcons in the rear. In full speed they dexterously
avoided the trees, until they arrived upon open
ground, when they dashed up close to the hindquarters
of the furious elephant, who, maddened with
the excitement, heeded nothing but Rodur and his
mare, that were almost within its grasp. When close
to the tail of the elephant, Taher Sherrif’s sword
flashed from its sheath, as grasping his trusty blade he
leapt nimbly to the ground, while Ibrahim caught the
reins of his horse ; two or three bounds on foot, with