I was unable to
gain an inch, and away we went, with just about three feet between our
separate extremities. We were at the other side now, and a glance served
to show me that I had miscalculated and overshot the opening. To reach
it now was hopeless; I should have blundered straight into the elephant.
So I did the only thing I could do: I swerved like a course hare, and
started off round the edge of the glade, seeking for some opening into
which I could plunge. This gave me a moment's start, for the bull
could not turn as quickly as I could, and I made the most of it. But no
opening could I see; the bush was like a wall. We were speeding round
the edge of the glade, and the elephant was coming up again. Now he was
within about six feet, and now, as he trumpeted or rather screamed,
I could feel the fierce hot blast of his breath strike upon my head.
Heavens! how it frightened me!
"We were three parts round the glade now, and about fifty yards ahead
was the single large dead thorn-tree against which the bull had been
leaning. I spurted for it; it was my last chance of safety. But spurt as
I would, it seemed hours before I got there. Putting out my right hand,
I swung round the tree, thus bringing myself face to face with the
elephant. I had not time to lift the rifle to fire, I had barely time to
cock it, and run sideways and backward, when he was on to me. Crash! he
came, striking the tree full with his forehead. It snapped like a carrot
about forty inches from the ground.
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