Meanwhile the rumor reached us that an immense herd of elephants was crossing from the State of Pahang into Trengganu, and I made up my mind to act instantly. A roaming herd of elephants is so serious a menace to rice-crops that I thought the Sultan might not object to having the assistance of a foreigner in capturing them. In any event, the chance was worth taking.
With the German captain of a small coast-steamer that called at Trengganu every three weeks, I made arrangements to drop me there. He protested that it was a senseless undertaking; that I wouldn't be allowed to land; that, if I was allowed to land, the Sultan would refuse to see me; that, if the Sultan granted me an interview, he would surely refuse to let me go inland; and that, if he allowed me to go inland, I would be killed by the natives. All the way up the coast, I listened to his arguments, and, when he asked me if I had changed my mind, I answered, "You just put me down on the beach, blow your whistle and go along."
Weeks later, when he returned and asked about me, the natives replied, "Sir, the master is in the jungle catching elephants."
I was on the biggest and most exciting elephant hunt of my life.
III
ELEPHANTS
I waited on the beach at Trengganu for a few minutes, until the German steamer was well out of the way; then I sent my Chinese boy into the village to engage living quarters. He returned presently with the information that a Chinese trader had offered to put me up. Ali and I followed him up the street of the village, with a group of inquisitive natives at our heels.
Soon after I had finished my first meal at the trader's house, a tunku (petty prince) appeared with his followers. The meeting was solemn and formal, and he went through the ritual of inquiring after my health, though I could see that inquisitiveness was gnawing at him. At last he asked bluntly what my object was in coming to Trengganu.
"I have come to see the Sultan on important business."
He told me that it would be impossible for me to see the Sultan and offered to deliver my message. I waved him aside and told him that I must see the Sultan personally.