The ground was perfectly open, covered by small loose rocks free from grass, and the chase commenced in good earnest.

With the elephants in view the whole time, and going at a great pace, a mile was run without the possibility of firing a shot.

By this time we had arrived at an undulating country covered with small rocks, and grass about four feet high, which made the pace dreadfully fatiguing; still we dared not slacken the speed for an instant lest the elephants should distance us.

This was the time for rifles to tell, although their weight (15 lbs.) was rather trying in so long and fast a run.

I was within eighty paces of the herd, and I could not decrease the distance by a single yard.