Nor, the encircling cliffs being so sheer, could they get round any other way.
At length the enemy drew back as though defeated, giving us time to drag aside our dead and wounded and drink more water, for the heat in the place was now overwhelming.

We hoped against hope that they had given up the attack.

But this was far from the case; they were but making a new plan.
Suddenly in the gateway there appeared the huge bulk of the elephant Jana, rushing forward at speed and being urged on by men who pricked it with spears behind.

It swept through the defenders as though they were but dry grass, battering those in front of it with its great trunk from which swung the iron balls that crushed all on whom they fell, and paying no more heed to the lance thrusts than it might have done to the bites of gnats.

On it came, trumpeting and trampling, and after it in a flood flowed the Black Kendah, upon whom our spearmen flung themselves from either side.
At the time I, followed by Hans, was just returning from speaking with Ragnall at the gate of the second court.