At length, after upward of an hour passed in this slow and fatiguing advance, I distinctly heard the flap of an elephant's ear, shortly followed by the deep guttural sigh of one of those animals, within a few paces; but so dense was the screen of jungle that I could see nothing.

We waited for some minutes, but not the slightest sound could be heard; the elephants were aware of danger, and they were, like ourselves, listening attentively for the first intimation of an enemy.
This was a highly exciting moment.

Should they charge, there would not be a possibility of escape, as the hooked thorns rendered any sudden movement almost impracticable.

In another moment there was a tremendous crash; and with a sound like a whirlwind the herd dashed through the crackling jungle.

I rushed forward, as I was uncertain whether they were in advance or retreat.