It is related, that, by some accident, a large cannon had fallen into a ravine, where it stuck fast. An elephant was taken to the spot to draw it out; but he shook his head and gave evident signs that he thought it beyond his strength. His keeper, however, fastened him to the cannon, and he tried, but in vain, to pull it up, and was sent away. But, as there appeared no other way of getting the cannon out, the elephant was again fastened to it; he showed symptoms of displeasure at being required to do what was beyond his power, but when urged forward by his keeper, he strained with all his might, and pulled the cannon out of the ravine and dropped down dead.
FINIS.
H. G. Collins, Paternoster Row, London.
Transcriber's Notes
The following changes have been applied to the text:
[Page 21]: But James ate{original had eat} his with much satisfaction.
[Page 31]: “Eh! thank you all the same,” said the boy.{original had an additional closing quotation mark here}
[Page 36]: “You know how to amuse yourself in the best manner, George,{original had period here}” said he to the boy.