Page:Hunting and trapping stories; a book for boys (IA huntingtrappings00pric).pdf/18

STORIES OF TIGER HUNTING

while, smarting from its injuries was roused to fury, which only those who know the elephant can appreciate. Disregarding its marhout's voice it charged on the dying tiger and literally danced upon its body until not a spark of life was left. This elephant was never any use for hunting after that, as it was always ready to run in a panic when it smelled its dreaded enemy.

When an elephant is seized with panic nothing can stop it, and any one who happens to be upon its back at the time never forgets the ride. It is said that an elephant that has once been clawed by a tiger is never safe to use again, at least for hunting, for it seems to lose all its nerve. When a tiger attacks an elephant it is usually in front, and trunk bears the brunt of the battle. This is unfortunate, for the trunk of the elephant is constructed of a mass of tiny nerves and is by far the most sensitive part of the animal. Some hunters take the precaution of covering their elephants' trunks with a loose sort of armor, made from the thick skin of crocodiles. This armor is exceedingly tough and slippery, and allows for no grip for the tigers' claws.

As a rule, when the tiger hears the hunt coming it pricks up its ears and listens to make sure in which direction its enemies lie, and then slinks off another way. In case it is surrounded it will lie in wait until the line of battle comes quite close, and then with a roar it will dash through the ranks of beaters, and the process of cornering it will have to begin again.