They “slipped away” at Ramball’s request. “Just walk up and down with me a few times,” he said, “till we get on the other side of the caravans. No, not yet,” he said. “I have sent one of the men for a big basket of carrots. They are nice and sweet, and his highness likes them. Once get him busy on them and he won’t notice you going.”
A big two-handled basket made its appearance a few minutes later, piled up with the orange-red vegetables, and carried by a couple of Ramball’s men.
“Just give him two or three yourselves, gentlemen,” said the proprietor, “and start him on them. Then get behind him and walk right away straight from his tail. You may do anything of that sort, as I dare say you know, without his seeing. Elephants are very stupid beasts about what goes on behind their backs.”
The two boys did as requested, and as soon as the elephant was busy they strolled off with its owner, who was very eager to shake hands with them again and beg of them to come to his place.
“Here, I have had enough of this,” cried Glyn as soon as they were out of the great field, “and I never thought of it before. What time is it?”
“I don’t know,” said Singh. “I have left my watch on the dressing-table.”
Just then the striking of the church clock fell upon their ears, and Singh began to count aloud, while Glyn expressed his belief that it must be seven.
“Why, all the chaps will be out when we get back,” he said.
“Eight!” said Singh loudly.
“Nonsense! You have muddled it,” cried Glyn.