The abrasion upon the stiff mud of the ant-heap showed where his back had rested,--the mark of his body was visible in the dust, and a groove-like furrow in the turf had been made by his huge tusk.

A huge one it must have been, as the impression of it testified to the keen eyes of the Bushman.
Swartboy stated some curious facts about the great quadruped,--at least, what he alleged to be facts.

They were,--that the elephant never attempts to lie down without having something to lean his shoulders against,--a rock, an ant-hill, or a tree; that he does this to prevent himself from rolling over on his back,--that when he does by accident get into that position he has great difficulty in rising again, and is almost as helpless as a turtle; and, lastly, that he often sleeps standing beside a tree with the whole weight of his body leaning against the trunk! Swartboy did not think that he leans against the trunk when first taking up his position; but that he seeks the tree for the shade it affords, and as sleep overcomes him he inclines towards it, finding that it steadies and rests him! The Bushman stated, moreover, that some elephants have their favourite trees, to which they return again and again to take a nap during the hot midday hours,--for that is their time of repose.

At night they do not sleep.

On the contrary, the hours of night are spent in ranging about, on journeys to the distant watering-places, and in feeding; though in remote and quiet districts they also feed by day--so that it is probable that most of their nocturnal activity is the result of their dread of their watchful enemy, man.
Swartboy communicated these facts, as the hunters all together followed upon the spoor.
The traces of the elephant were now of a different character, from what they had been before arriving at the ant-hill.