trees were bent outward, and the head
and trunk of a huge elephant appeared, as he dashed furiously out of the
forest. No sooner did he catch sight of us than he set up a loud
trumpeting, indicative of rage, and rushed towards us. He was,
fortunately, still at some distance, so I had time to take off the
covering of my rifle, and to cock it ready for his reception. The
experience I had gained of elephant-shooting in Ceylon now stood me in
good stead. My sailor companion, who was not aware of what I was able
to do, was naturally much alarmed on my account.

"Much better climb up this tree out of the way of the brute. I'll help
you up, sir," he sung out, beginning to make his own way up the gnarled
and crooked trunk.

"No, no; I'll stand below and kill the elephant. You get up out of his
way. In case I should miss him, I'll dodge round the tree," I answered;
"I am safe enough; don't fear for me."

While we were speaking, I observed directly behind the elephant a
considerable number of blacks--some dozen or more--armed with spears and
darts. They were evidently in chase of him, and had not perceived us.
When Solon saw the elephant, he began to bark furiously, rushing towards
him, and then retreating again to me. His barking attracted the
attention of the natives, who now first perceived us. The elephant had
halted, trumpeting and shrieking louder than ever, when some of the
natives again darted their spears at him, while Solon assailed him with
his barking in front. The monster probably thought that the dog had
inflicted the pain he felt, for he now rushed at him with such fury that
I became not a little anxious for his safety. Solon, however, seemed
perfectly well aware what was best to be done, and contrived nimbly to
keep just beyond the distance that his huge antagonist's trunk could
reach. Once the elephant had tried to strike him with his trunk, but he
was then a long way off from me. He had now come within twenty yards of
the tree behind which I stood. Again he lowered his trunk to strike the
dog. The opportunity was not to be lost. I took a steady aim and
fired. Never have I made a better shot. The bullet struck the monster
directly on the forehead; and without advancing another foot, down he
sank an inanimate mass. Solon sprung on the body, barking with delight.
Bigg slid down from the tree; and forgetting his character of a negro,
was about to give a true British cheer, when I stopped him;