dingly dangerous creature in the
neighbourhood where he takes up his abode. There are many instances
recorded--and well authenticated too--where human beings have been
sacrificed to the fury of these gigantic monsters: and cases are known
where a rogue elephant has purposely placed himself in waiting by the
side of a frequented path, with the object of destroying the unwary
traveller! In the valley of the Dheira Doon an elephant of this class--
one, too, that had once been tamed, but had escaped from his servitude--
is known to have taken the lives of nearly twenty unfortunate people
before his destruction could be effected.

Well knowing these proclivities on the part of the _rogue_, Ossaroo at
once counselled caution in the future movements of all--a counsel which
Karl was too prudent to reject; and even the bold, rash Caspar did not
think it proper to dissent from.

It was resolved, therefore, before continuing their projected
exploration of the cliffs, to set their weapons once more in proper
order--against any chance of an encounter with the elephant.

Their guns had to be re-stocked, and a new handle put into the axe--as
well as a shaft into the boar-spear of Ossaroo--for all the woodwork of
these weapons had been broken up and burnt into ashes in the manufacture
of the candles of bear's-grease that had lighted them out of the cave.

The search after the ledges must necessarily be postponed; until they
could go upon that errand properly armed and equipped, against any enemy
that might oppose their progress.

Having come to this wise determination, they returned to their hut;
kindled a fire; cooked breakfast; and having despatched the meal, at
once set about selecting pieces of wood for the various purposes for
which they were required.

They had no difficulty in procuring just what was wanted: for the valley
contained many valuable sorts of timber; and several kinds that had been
already cut for other purposes, now well seasoned and ready to hand,
were found lying about the hut.

Setting about their work in earnest, and labouring diligently from
morning to night--and even into the night hours--they knew they would
not be long in accomplishing a task so trifling as the stocking of a
gun, or putting the handle to a boar-spear.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

INSPECTING THE CLIFFS.

Working diligently with their knives two days sufficed to make guns,
axe, and spear as good as ever. Ossaroo also made himself a new