Thus they had no difficulty in descending to the river.
Close to this place, the banks were perpendicular, and as hard as brick.
I ran down to the river, but by the time of my arrival, the elephants
had gained the opposite bank; there, however, they were in a difficulty.
The water was deep, and the shore of the island was perpendicular, and
about six feet above the water. They could not get out without breaking
down the bank so as to form an incline. Already these enormous
creatures, which are accustomed to such difficulties, were tearing down
the earth with their tusks and horny-toed feet; still it was a work of
time, that gave me a good opportunity.
It was difficult to obtain a shot, as the elephants were end on. The
distance was about 110 yards, which is very uncertain for so large an
animal, that must be struck exactly in the right place.
I fired several shots with the No. 8 breechloader, aimed at the back of
their heads, but none of these were successful.
Monsoor had the ammunition, and reloaded for me. The stunning effect of
the heavy metal confused the animals and caused one to fall backward
into the scrambling herd. This turned an elephant sideways.
