"Yes, they would get their own living in the jungle, and in happier days to come, perhaps, they might be caught again."
"It is a pity," said Mr. Kenyon. "Let me see; there are ten, and all magnificent beasts."
"Eleven," said Harry promptly.
"Yes—eleven," said the King; "and they are the finest that the wild droves supplied. I think we must let them go at once."
"Yes," said Mr. Kenyon, "and perhaps it is only hastening the loss, for if the enemy gain possession of the grounds and outer court, of course we lose them then."
"Yes, they had better go at once," said the King with a sigh, which was echoed by his son, while Harry directed an angry look at his father.
"What does that mean, Hal?" said Mr. Kenyon.
"I'd sooner go without half my food every day than the elephants should be given up," cried the boy impetuously, "and so would Phra."
"I believe you," said the King, smiling; "but even the whole of your daily food would not go far with one of the beasts. They might be turned into the grounds between the river and the outer wall, but it would only be for them to destroy and starve. They must be set at liberty at once while there is an opportunity. The great gate in the outer wall near the river must be opened. Mr. Kenyon, send men in advance to see if the enemy are away from that part too, and then, with a strong party to guard against surprise, we can have them led out, and the gates re-closed."
Scouts were sent at once, and a strong guard numbered off, while, as the mahouts had fled with the rest, the task of leading the elephants from their great stables was deputed to Sree and his man, Lahn, and in spite of their sorrow at the magnificent troop being sent off to resume their wild state, the two boys eagerly seized upon the event as a fresh diversion from the troubles by which they were surrounded.