“Take care!” whispered Archie hoarsely, for the great serpentine trunk glided completely round Peter and drew him close up to the hole, raising him from the ground, so that he hung three or four feet above the dried leaves.
“Ah–h!” sighed Archie, with an ejaculation of relief, as the elephant lowered the lad again and withdrew his trunk through the hole, and the two young men heard the soft movements of his huge, yielding feet as he slowly shuffled off, making a deep, low, muttering sound.
“There, Mister Archie, what do you think of that?”
“Think!” said the lad excitedly. “I was afraid the brute would crush you to death.”
“Not he, sir. Didn’t you see what friends we were?”
“Oh yes; but they are dangerous friends.”
“He isn’t going to be dangerous to us, sir. I am glad you woke up. I wanted you to see him; and now you know how easy it will be for us to escape. Once I get you on his back, he will take us to camp as easy as you please.”
“Yes, once we are on his back,” sighed Archie. “But how’s that to be managed?”
“Oh, you want your breakfast, sir. You’ve got the dismal empties bad. Now, what do you say—a cup of water and a bit of bread to soak in it, or shall I give you a wash first?”
“A wash! Oh Pete, if you could only bathe that place on my head first, I feel as if it would be so refreshing.”