It was not twenty yards from the tree to the spot where rested the dismounted monolith; and the elephant, whose eye was in a state of continual activity, could not fail to see them descending from the branches.

The massive creature, though it moved about with apparently a gentle griding step, could go almost as fast as a galloping horse; and should it espy them in time, there would be but slight chance of eluding its prehensile trunk.
Moreover, the sight of them--even should they succeed in regaining the tree--would rekindle its rage, and cause it to prolong its stay upon the ground.
There was yet another consideration that influenced them to remain patiently on their perch.

They knew that they had provided themselves with only a very limited quantity of ammunition.

That article had become scarce with them; and they had prudently determined to economise it.

Karl had only two bullets left, with just powder enough to make two charges; while Caspar's horn and pouch were not better filled.