Slowly and coolly she advanced toward her wary antagonist until within about eight or nine yards of the elephant's head.

The creature never moved, and the mise en scene was beautiful.

Not a word was spoken, and we kept our places amid utter stillness, which was at length broken by a snort from the mare, who gazed intently at the elephant, as though watching for the moment of attack.
One more pace forward, and Roder sat coolly upon his mare, with his eyes fixed upon those of the elephant.

For an instant I saw the white of the eye nearest to me.

"Look out, Roder, he's coming!" I exclaimed.