o control its power of reasoning, since it
immediately turned tail and retreated from the danger that had befallen
its friend. While making its retreat, it appeared to choose the tracks
made by the horses in approaching the spot; as though instinct
admonished it that by so doing it would avoid any pitfalls that might be
constructed on the plain.

"After him! Follow him up," cried Arend. "Hans is in danger."

Only a short while was spent in reloading their guns; then, urging their
horses to the greatest speed, they galloped after the elephant.

Hans and his dusky companions had not been uninterested spectators of
the actions of the others, and now saw that they would soon be called
upon to become actors in a similar scene. The elephant was rushing
rapidly down upon them, but the thought of flight only arose in their
minds to be immediately dismissed. The pack-horses must be defended at
all cost; and the young botanist, bidding Swartboy and Congo look after
them, rode out in front to meet the advancing foe.

He was mounted on a horse that would not stand quiet for two seconds at
a time; and as his life might depend on the correctness of his aim, he
dismounted for the purpose of firing. His horse, released, galloped
away from his side. The wounded elephant was not more than fifty paces
off, and now turned in pursuit of the horse, apparently without seeing
the enemy it should have feared most.

This was the opportunity for Hans, and he did not allow it to escape
him. Steadily raising the gun to his shoulder, he aimed at the huge
creature, just behind its fore leg, as the latter was thrown forward in
the stride. On shambled the enraged monster with a deafening roar.

The other horses had already broken from the control of their keepers,
and were galloping in different directions. A few long stretches and
the tusks of the elephant were close upon Congo's steed, which chanced
to be crossing the line of pursuit at right angles. In another instant
the horse was tossed into the air, and, passing six or eight feet high
above the monster's back, fell heavily upon the ground behind it. But
the Kaffir had slid out of the saddle and stood upon the ground
unharmed.

The effort made in destroying the horse was the last the wounded
elephant was able to perform. The dogs were clustering upon its heels;
and as it reeled wildly about to get at them, it seemed to grow giddy,
and at length fell heavily along the earth.