"It seems so droll," said Phra merrily. "It is just as if he knew all about it."
"He does, Sahib," said the hunter.
"Nonsense!" said Harry.
"The Sahib has not seen so much of elephants as I have," said the man respectfully. "He believes that I have learned much about the wild creatures of the jungle?"
"Oh yes, you have, Sree; but I can't believe elephants understand what we are doing."
"The wild elephant is one of the wisest of beasts, Sahib, and he would never be caught, he is so cunning, if it was not that we cheat him by sending elephants that we have trained to the herd to lead others into traps. And when they have got them there, do they not beat them and hold them till they are noosed and their spirit is conquered?"
"Oh yes, they do all that."
"And many other things," said Sree, "that I have seen with the Sahibs in India, where they move and pile the trees that are cut down, and lift guns; and what beast will obey its master better than an elephant? Old Sul here is very wise, and knows a great deal."
"Yes," said Harry, "but not to understand what we say."
"But he knows what the order means, Sahib; and see how he enjoys the hunting."