But elephants are far from cheap in India, where they are becoming scarce, the males, which alone are suitable for circus shows, are much sought, especially as but few of them are domesticated.

When therefore Mr.Fogg proposed to the Indian to hire Kiouni, he refused point-blank.

Mr.Fogg persisted, offering the excessive sum of ten pounds an hour for the loan of the beast to Allahabad.

Refused.

Twenty pounds?
Refused also.