This was a close shave; had not the ground been perfectly level I must have been caught to a certainty, and even as it was, he would have had me in another stride had I not turned from my straight course.

It was nearly dark, and we returned to the tent, killing several peacocks and ducks on our way, with which the country swarmed.
We passed a miserable night, not being able to sleep on account of the mosquitoes, which were in swarms.

I was delighted to see the first beam of morning, when our little winged enemies left us, and a 'chatty' bath was most enjoyable after the restless tossings of a sleepless night.

The Moormen were out at dawn to look for elephants, the guns were cleaned, and I looked forward to the return of the trackers with peculiar interest, as we had determined to 'catch an elephant.' The Moormen were all full of excitement and preparation.

These men were well practised in this sport, and they were soon busied in examining and coiling their hide ropes for the purpose.
At about mid-day the trackers returned, having found a herd about five miles from the village.