It was a lovely afternoon, the sky was covered with a thin grey cloud, and the sun had little or no power.

Hiding behind a bush, we watched the herd for some time, until they had all quitted the bushes and were well out in the open.

There were two elephants facing us, and the herd, which consisted of seven, were tolerably close together, with the exception of one, who was about thirty yards apart from the main body; this fellow we determined to catch.

We therefore arranged that our gun-bearers and four rope-carriers should accompany us, while the remaining portion of our party should lie in reserve to come to our assistance when required, as so large a body of men could not possibly stalk the herd without being discovered.

Falling upon our hands and knees, we crept between the grassy ant-hills towards the two leading elephants, who were facing us.