"Let's try the edge of the jungle," said the doctor. "The ground must be firmer there."
Striking up to their right, they managed to get about fifty yards nearer the edge of the forest; but then they had to turn back and make for a point nearer the little camp, where two or three huge trees stood out like sentinels in front of the vast army of vegetation packed closely as trees could stand.
Here the earth proved to be firm, and for a few dozen yards they managed to progress among the trees at the very edge of the jungle. After that the way was stopped by the interlacing creepers and thorny rotans, and after a few minutes' trial it became evident that without the help of stout men with their parangs to clear the way, further progress was impossible.
"Let's go back again," said Harry. "One does get so hot and fagged."
"Better keep walking till your legs are dry," said the doctor. "I don't want you down with a feverish cold."
"They're nearly dry now," said Harry, "and they'll be quite dry by the time we get back."
"Yes," said Phra; "it's farther off than we think for, and will take longer."
"Back again, then," said the doctor; "but I do not like to be beaten like this. I wanted to see more of the elephants and their ways."
"Come to the big stables, then, Doctor, when we get back. Phra will take you and let you see all there are at home; won't you, Phra?"
"Of course, if the doctor wishes to see them."