“The best thing we can do is to get out of the way,” returned Bob.
They soon reached the end of the open field. Beyond were a mass of brush and a number of small trees.
Frank dived into the brush and disappeared from sight. Bob was not so fortunate, and the elephant continued after the youth, as if bent upon venting his rage before giving up the chase.
At length Bob came to a clump of small trees, and darted among them. They were so close together that he knew the beast could not get between them, and for the moment he thought himself safe, although the position was far from a pleasant one.
But when the elephant reached the trees, he at once threw his weight against the foremost, and they went down with a crash, as if they had been so many pipe-stems.
One of the falling trees struck Bob, and he was knocked flat on his back. Before he could rise the elephant was upon him.
Bob did his best to scramble out of the way, but before he could do so the beast caught him by the coat and hoisted the youth in the air.
By this time the keepers were close at hand. Each was armed with a sharp steel, and they began to prod the elephant whenever they got the chance.
He trumpeted at a great rate, but did not let go his hold upon Bob, until the youth, under a sudden inspiration, hit him in the eye with his fist.
This blow surprised the elephant more than it hurt him. But his surprise made him uncurl his trunk and loosen his grip, and Bob lost no time in leaping to a safe distance.