Strong iron chains were fixed to the tender of our elephant. I confess my heart beat quick. Captain Hood gnawed his mustache and fidgeted about with anxiety. Colonel Munro was calm enough, far calmer indeed than Prince Gourou Singh.
“We are ready,” said the engineer. “When your highness pleases “It pleases me now,” returned the prince. Gourou Singh made a sign, the mahouts uttered a peculiar whistle, and the three elephants, planting their huge feet firmly on the ground, drew all together. The machine began to move.
A cry escaped me. Hood stamped.
“Put on the brakes!” said the engineer quietly, turning to the driver. And with a quick turn, followed by a rush of steam, the atmospheric brake was instantly brought to bear.
Behemoth stopped, immovable.
The mahouts excited the three elepha
