to see anything of
the plain above.

Arend proposed returning up the trunk of the tree and giving the enemy a
parting shot, should the animal be still within range.

To this, Groot Willem and Hendrik objected. They were willing the
elephant should depart, if so inclined, without further molestation from
them.

A few minutes passed and Arend again proposed going up to see if their
enemy was near. This was also opposed by the others.

"No, not yet," said Willem. "Let us not show ourselves on any account.
He may be still watching for us, and, seeing you, may think we are
impatient to get away. That would encourage him to remain. We must be
as cautious as if we were dealing with a human enemy."

Half an hour passed, and then Groot Willem ascended the tree, until his
head was on a level with the bank. One glance was sufficient, and, with
a grave countenance, he looked back to his companions.

"It is as I thought," said he, "the brute is still there. He is
watching for us. He wants revenge; and I believe that he'll have it.
We shall be hungry before we get away from here."

"Where is he?" asked Hendrik.

"At the pool close by, giving himself a shower-bath; but I can see that
he keeps constantly turning his eye in this direction."

"Is he alone?" inquired Arend.

"Yes; the others appear to have gone off. There is only himself by the
pool. We have wounded him; but, for all that, he is able to move
rapidly about; and we shall have to kill him outright before we can pass
him upon the plain."

To this there was no answer, and, Groot Willem again returning to the
rock, all three laid hold of their guns, and prepared to attack the
enemy.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

A CREATURE HARD TO KILL.

Groot Willem again ascended the tree, this time armed with his roer, and
followed by his two companions. The elephant was still at the pool;
and, to make him leave it and draw nearer, Willem showed himself on the
bank. This plan did not succeed. The elephant saw him, but with reason
or instinct that seemed almost human, it was evidently waiting until
they should leave their retreat before again commencing hostilities.

"It's of no use my firing from here," said Willem, "I must endeavour to
get nearer. Don't be in my way, for in all probability, there may be
another chase."

The distance from the tree to the pool was close upon a hundred yards;
and, after walking from the bank about one third of that distance,
Wi