“I feel inclined to trample on you,” he remarked.
The Officer closed his eyes with terror; then, half-opening them, he endeavored to look defiantly and speak boldly.
“Pre-pre-sump-tu-tu-ous b-b-b-beast!” he faltered.
The Elephant looked at him threateningly.
“It was on-on-ly my f-f-un!” stammered the Officer, trembling with fear, and all the crimson fading from his cheeks.
“Do you wish me to spare your life?” asked the Elephant.
“It is very valuable,” the Officer replied more calmly as he regained courage, and unable to forget his foolish pride even in that awful moment.
“The world can do without it,” said the great beast threateningly.
“Spare me!” cried the coward and bully.
The Elephant paused.