“Very good,” said Martin; “then, as we have no especial desire to run into the lion’s jaws, or, in other words, catch the eye of his Excellency the Dutchman, we will advance by the ladies’ elephant.”
But as we spoke the drums were beaten, and the spearmen began to narrow their circle, till they were near enough to the thicket to thrust their weapons into it; at the same time, eager to be nearer the scene of action, the envoy and Pangeran moved forward their elephants till their chests touched the prickly canes. We rested for a minute to watch their movements.
Suddenly the spearmen gave a terrific yell, and, beating their way into the thicket, were soon lost to view. The prince and envoy followed; the huge beasts upon which they sat forcing their own way by the strength and bulk of their bodies.
“They have started a whole den,” cried Prabu; “the tigers will be out either at the back or the front. Follow! but,” he added, “they may come out at this side—be wary—reserve your fire till the last moment!” Having given this caution he gallantly dashed forward, and entered the thicket through the opening made by the elephants.
“Come on, Claud; don’t lag! This is fine sport!” cried Martin.
We set our ponies at a canter, and made for an opening about a dozen yards to the left of that entered by Prabu, having no desire to get up with the elephants and their riders, but at the very entrance the animals stood stock-still, with their fore legs stretched forward, and began to snort, and tremble from their backs to their hoofs.
“The beasts scent an enemy, Martin; dismount.”
In an instant we were upon our feet, and the animals, taking advantage of the change, turned tail and scampered off in a style that somewhat astonished us, after our experience of their regulation speed.
“It is my opinion we have done a foolish act,” said I, chagrined at the escape of the horses.
“More foolish to remain half-way. Onward, through the thicket, Claud,” replied my brother.