Meanwhile, the hunters, after resting for a few moments from their late severe exertion, commenced reloading their rifles and preparing for further hostilities.
As though aware of their intention, the elephant quietly walked away.
“He is off now,” said Groot Willem, “but we had better not be in any hurry to follow him. I can endure a little more rest.”
“I hope we shall not have to make a longer stay than will be agreeable,” remarked Hendrik. “But we must not leave here until the whole herd has taken its departure. Unlike any we have seen before, these elephants do not seem to be the least afraid of us.”
The position in which our hunters were placed was several feet below the level of the river’s bank, so that they were unable to see anything of the plain above.
Arend proposed returning up the trunk of the tree and giving the enemy a parting shot, should the animal be still within range.
To this, Groot Willem and Hendrik objected. They were willing the elephant should depart, if so inclined, without further molestation from them.
A few minutes passed and Arend again proposed going up to see if their enemy was near. This was also opposed by the others.
“No, not yet,” said Willem. “Let us not show ourselves on any account. He may be still watching for us, and, seeing you, may think we are impatient to get away. That would encourage him to remain. We must be as cautious as if we were dealing with a human enemy.”
Half an hour passed, and then Groot Willem ascended the tree, until his head was on a level with the bank. One glance was sufficient, and, with a grave countenance, he looked back to his companions.