coolness and presence of mind, without which a man is most likely to run
into the very danger that he is trying to avoid. This was the cause of
Major Haddock's death in Ceylon some years ago. He had attacked a
'rogue,' and, being immediately charged, he failed to stop him, although
he gave him both barrels. Being forced to run, he went off at full
speed, and turning quickly round a tree, he hoped the elephant would
pass him. Unfortunately, he did not look behind him before he turned,
and the elephant passed round the opposite side of the tree, and, of
course, met him face to face. He was instantly trampled to death.

Mr. Wallet was also killed by a rogue elephant; this animal was shot a
few days afterwards, in a spirited contest, by Captain Galway and Ensign
Scroggs, both of whom were very nearly caught in the encounter. A
gentleman of the name of Keane was added to the list of victims a few
years ago. He had fired without effect, and was almost immediately over-
taken by the elephant and crushed to death. The most extraordinary tale
that I have ever heard of rogue elephants in Ceylon was told me by the
Rhatamahatmeya of Doolana, who was present at the scene when a lad. I do
not profess to credit it entirely; but I will give it in his own words,
and, to avoid the onus of an improbable story, I will entitle it the
'Rhatamahatmeya's Tale.' In justice to him, I must acknowledge that his
account was corroborated by all the old men of the village.

THE RHATAMAHATMEYA'S TALE.

'There was a notorious rogue elephant at Doolana about thirty years ago,
whose ferocity was so extreme that he took complete possession of a
certain part of the country adjoining the lake. He had killed eight or
nine persons, and his whole object in existence appeared to be the
waylaying and destruction of the natives. He was of enormous size, and