"Yes, they're glad enough to get away from the poor wretches doomed to be killed," said Phra bitterly.
"Doomed to be smothered!" cried Harry sharply. "What nonsense! Look at them. Just like a lot of children let out for a run."
"We shall never see old Sul again," sighed Phra.
"Not if we stand here like this," replied Harry. "Do you see why the elephants rushed off so quickly just now?"
"No. They are glad of their liberty, perhaps, and the chance of getting plenty to eat."
"No; they smelt danger."
"Danger? Where?"
"Out yonder to the left. I caught a glimpse of the tops of spears twinkling in the sun."
"Where? I can see nothing."
"Because you are not looking the right way. Over there, where there must be a deep ditch between two of the rice fields. Yes, there's a long line of twinkling spear tops. They've seen the place opened and the elephants let out, and they're trying to sneak up along that dyke and rush in before we can shut the gate."