BIG ELEPHANT YARNS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 2502, 6 September 1890, Page 6

BIG ELEPHANT YARNS.

A TUG-OF-WAR EXTRAORDINARY AS TOLD BY A DISCIPLE OF MUNCHAUSEN.

The London Graphir prints some elephant and crocodile pictures obtained from a certain Major-General Roblcy, who bases them on a«u ‘'elephant yarn,” as he styles it, told him by one Bo.rcuß, who was probably related to a celebrated German baron named Munchausen. Barcna thus told his tale, and it will he seen that there is a good deal of tail to it : 44 Two years ago I was ou a shooting expedition up the Ganges, and on the look-out for big game of any kind. One day I came acrosss the 4 spoor’ of ft very big rogue elephant. As it was getting dark, I determined to follow up the 4 spoor’ next day. Accordingly daybreak saw me on tho track, and soon I came to a large tank, aud there I saw my friend having a farewell drink, and splashing in the water like an animated haystack. Ho was far boy ond range, and as there was little or no cover near, I could onlv watch and wait. Presently he moved off, and, tho wind being favourable,' I followed closely.

44 And now comes the f trange part of my story. We arrived at a smaller tank, which i saw at a glance was full of crocodiles. In floundered tho elephant and down went his trunk for a drink. Suddenly he started and began to struggle like mad. I rushed close up and found he nad been seized by a large crocodile. A brief struggle and the"elephant began to 4 walk away.’ But soon there was a check, and then, to my astonishment, I saw another 4 croc’ had got No. Iby the tail. But still tho elephant had tho pull, when a second and then a third 4 crock ’ fell in, each holding on to the other’s tail.

“ It was a grand sight, ond I became quite excited. I offered my tracker 4 evens’ on the elephant, which he took. Suddenly another 4 croc’ fell in, and the elephant began to give. I thought it was all up with him. but he just twisted his tail around a irea, and there he was as firm as a rock. The tracker claimed a foul pull, but I overruled his objection.” 44 But how did it end ?” asked T, yawning, for it was getting Late. 44 I will tell you,” said Barcas. 44 Tho elephant brought his native cunning to bear where fcx*ce failed, lie took r deep breath and blew with all his for*e down the tiret 4 croc’s’ throat, nearly choking him. * Gron’ opened hi-s mouth to breathe, and the elephant walked uwuy. And thus ends my yarn.*'