He declared it impossible to use the sword, as the jungle was so dense that it would check the blow; but that I could use the rifle, as the elephants were close to us--he had seen three standing together, between us and the main body of the herd.
I told Jali to lead me directly to the spot, and, followed by Florian and the aggageers, with my gun-bearers, I kept within a foot of my dependable little guide, who crept gently into the jungle.

This was exceedingly thick, and quite impenetrable, except in the places where elephants and other heavy animals had trodden numerous alleys.

Along one of these narrow passages we stealthily advanced, until Jali stepped quietly on one side and pointed with his finger.

I immediately observed two elephants looming through the thick bushes about eight paces from me.

One offered a temple-shot, which I quickly took with a Reilly No.
10, and floored it on the spot.