“One day I had occasion to go to Willenoor on business. I arrived at noon; the sun was burning the earth; no one was seen in the streets or on the verandas; every one was resting.
“My carriage had stopped under a mango-tree in the principal square, and I was about to start for the house of the thasildar, or governor of the village, when all at once a monstrous black elephant came running out of the pagoda which was opposite. He arrived in front of us and, before I had time to collect my senses, he lifted me up, placed me on his neck and started at full speed for the pagoda; he carried me across the first enclosure, in which was the great well for bathing, and brought me direct to the elephant quarters.
“Once there, he placed me on the ground in the center of all his companions; it was the begging elephant; he had recognized me. He uttered short cries, lifting his trunk and waving his ears, which his friends doubtless interpreted to my advantage, for when the thasildar, followed by the priests of the temple, came out to seek the cause of this strange demonstration, they found me calm, and recovered from my surprise, in the midst of these enormous beasts who were tendering an ovation in my behalf.
“'This is most remarkable,' said one of the priests, 'I have never seen them act so friendly toward any one.'
“I related to him the circumstances of my gifts to the begging elephant.
“'I am no longer surprised,' he answered, 'he has already recounted it to the whole band and the gourmands are paying you these attentions in hope of attaining the same reward.'
“'Is it possible?' I said with amazement.
“'I am perfectly sure of it. Do you wish to see the proof? Pass your arm around the trunk of your elephant friend and make him understand by signs that you wish him to go out with you; they will all follow you. Allow yourself to be led and you will see where they will bring you.'
