"We are approaching a village," replied Harkins, "and there at the side of the road is the house, I suppose, of the village headman."
The building which he was so quick to recognize stood some distance from the road, and was identified by the lights that twinkled through the surrounding trees, rather than by any view gained of the dwelling itself.
But the hearts of the two gave a flutter of delight when they came upon the very elephant for which they were looking. He was standing at the roadside, beneath a large tree, from which he was eating. He drew down the limbs, or rather stripped off the tender leaves and twigs, and stowed them in his capacious maw.
So far as our friends could see, no one was looking after the animal, which was so well trained that he needed no care. Even the horsemen seemed to have ridden up the shaded passage leading to the dwelling among the trees.
It looked as if some wealthy native had called upon a neighbor (possibly to plan an expedition to Delhi), and had left his royal steed by the roadside until he should return.
Avery and Harkins were delighted. They thought Providence was on their side, although He is never on the side of those who wish to despoil others of their property.
"Do you know much about elephants, doctor?" asked the sportsman.
"Something," he answered, as they cautiously approached the huge beast; "you know I have lived a number of years in this country, where they are numerous."
"How are we going to manage this fellow?"
"There need be no trouble; they carry the mahout or driver astride the neck, where he guides the animal by word or gesture, or he may stay in the howdah and direct him from that point."