I yielded it; the tender hopelessness of the smile with which they received it, made my heart swell with pity in the midst of its own desolation.

In vain were their sobs over their mother-queen; in vain they sought to entice from her some recognition of their love; in vain they kissed and fondled her as they bore her away: she would not wake! On each side one carried an arm, gently stroking it; as many as could get near, put their arms under her body; those who could not, crowded around the bearers.

On a spot where the grass grew thicker and softer they laid her down, and there all the Little Ones gathered sobbing.
Outside the crowd stood the elephants, and I near them, gazing at my Lona over the many little heads between.

Those next me caught sight of the princess, and stared trembling.

Odu was the first to speak.
"I have seen that woman before!" he whispered to his next neighbour.
"It was she who fought the white leopardess, the night they woke us with their yelling!" "Silly!" returned his companion.