A bright glance shone like lightning as the sun struck upon the descending steel; this was followed by a dull crack, as the sword cut through skin and sinews, and settled deep in the bone, about twelve inches above the foot.

At the next stride the elephant halted dead short in the midst of its tremendous charge.

Taher had jumped quickly on one side, and had vaulted into the saddle with his naked sword in hand.

At the same moment Roder, who had led the chase, turned sharp round, and again faced the elephant as before.

Stooping quickly from the saddle, he picked up from the ground a handful of dirt, which he threw into the face of the vicious-looking animal, that once more attempted to rush upon him.