When the Troupe had all been introduced, Mr. Hardwick said to Moukounj:
"This is our first evening in Calcutta, and I would like to present your elephant to the public as soon as possible; what is his name?"
"As it was at a time of distress that he came to me, from I know not where, and as he brought me consolation—I call him 'Devadatta,' which in our language signifies 'Sent-by-the-Gods.'"
"Very good! We will then call him on our bills, 'The Famous Elephant Devadatta'.... But, tell me, is there not one of your gods whom you represent with the head of an elephant?"
"The Divine Ganesa, God of Wisdom, has an elephant's head," replied Moukounj.
"Excellent!" cried Mr. Hardwick: "'The Famous Elephant Devadatta, Brother of Ganesa, in his various Acts'—that is the thing! What do you think of that, Mr. Oldham?"
"It will be admirable," replied Mr. Oldham.
"Now," continued Mr. Hardwick, "we must decide what exercises to teach him. You are the one who discovered him, and it is to you that I shall confide his education."
"I feel honoured, Mr. Hardwick," said Mr. Oldham; "his lessons will not take long, and will be commenced at once. But first, I would like to have him repeat before you the game with which he was amusing himself on the wharf."
Mr. Oldham ordered the Iron Ring to be brought, and I understood that I was to play with it as I had done before. Mr. Hardwick was satisfied.