aited for the consent of his companions; but, immediately
after conceiving the idea, he let himself down among the branches; and
once on the ground, glided hurriedly, but cautiously, off in the
direction taken by the elephant.

Karl and Caspar stayed some five minutes longer upon their perch; but
the shikaree not returning as soon as they had expected, they became
impatient, and also dropped down from the tree.

Their first act was to recover their guns, and reload them; and then,
taking stand in a position from which, in case of being suddenly
attacked, they could easily spring back among the branches, they awaited
the return of Ossaroo.

A considerable time elapsed, without their either seeing or hearing
aught of the shikaree. Indeed they heard nothing: for a complete
silence reigned around them, broken only now and then by the fluttering
of the wings of the old male hornbill--who was still keeping in the
neighbourhood of the nest, apparently puzzled to make out by what
mysterious combination of circumstances he had been so abruptly
disembarrassed of his adversary, the panda.

The movements of the bird had no longer any interest for Karl and
Caspar--who were beginning to grow uneasy at the prolonged absence of
Ossaroo.

Soon after, however, they were relieved from their suspense, by seeing
the shikaree emerging from the underwood, and advancing at a quick pace
to the open ground. They had the additional pleasure of beholding Fritz
following at his heels. The dog had joined Ossaroo near the edge of the
timber--where he had been quietly secreting himself from the eyes of the
dreaded elephant.

As Ossaroo drew near, both Karl and Caspar noticed an expression upon
his countenance, which, combined with his hurried advance, told that he
had something of an important nature to communicate.

"Well, Ossy," asked Caspar, who was the first to speak, "what news?
Have you seen anything more of the rogue?"

"Ah, rogue indeed!" replied Ossaroo, in a tone expressive of some secret
fear. "You speakee true, sahib; the rogue, if he no worse."

"Why, what now? Have you seen anything since you left us?"

"Seen, sahibs! Where you tinkee he now gone?"

"Where?"

"Hee go for de hut."

"For the hut?"

"Straight trackee. Ah, sahibs!" continued the shikaree, speaking in a
low voice and with an air of superstitious terror; "dat animal too wise
for dis world; he know too much. I fear him be no elephan' after all,
but on