At last, after a determined fight, he regained control of the maddened animal. His face was stinging from the effects of beating rain and wind and his eyes were aching. But the wild ride had filled him with a strange sense of exhilaration.
As a vivid streak of bluish lightning forked its way earthward, the rider gave a gasp of astonishment and alarm. The instantaneous glare had revealed with startling clearness the ponderous forms of three elephants but a few yards distant. Even before the jarring reverberations of thunder began to sound the dull thud of heavy feet splashing steadily through mud and water reached Dave Brandon’s ears.
It was a moment for quick action and steady nerves.
By the time his fierce yells and strenuous exertions had swerved the horse to one side the light of the lantern was falling on a huge bulk which towered high above him. He saw the elephant’s great head swing around, its eyes gleaming with fear.
“Great Scott!” murmured Dave.
His nerves tingled at the thought of being thrown.
He steered clear of a second shadowy form and soon a third detached itself faintly from the surroundings.
The already badly frightened Colossus became a great deal more so as horse and rider shot alongside. A shrill trumpet call rang out. The huge elephant increased his pace, blocking every effort of the horseman to gallop past. And so, neck and neck, the animals raced along the lonely, water-soaked country road.
Every flash of lightning brought into view fences on either hand. Dave knew there was no safety on either side or behind. Only his horse’s speed could carry him out of the dangerous situation in which he had placed himself. The touch of a great rough body brushing against his shoulder sent a thrill to his heart.
“This is just a little more than I bargained for,” he thought, grimly.