As a rule he sent several _koomkies_ out together, but on this
occasion he decided to send only one.

This was Kinka, a gentle and tractable, little Indian elephant, who
was well versed in the chase, and who was about as pretty and graceful
as it is possible for a _koomkie_ to be.

The _mahout_ talked to her and patted her, and Kinka seemed to quite
understand, nodding her head wisely, and touching his face and
shoulders gently with the tip of her trunk.

When he had finished and began to lead her out she made a quiet,
little trumpeting noise, which signified how delighted she was to go.

The _mahout_ did not trouble himself about Kinka, once he had let her
go. She knew her business and was about as deep and crafty as any
_mahout_ could wish. He selected his strongest little horse and
followed her.

Kinka went quietly and steadily through the forest, making straight
for the place where Rataplan was still standing, moodily moving his
head to and fro.

Once within sight of him she put on a careless, coquettish air, and
began to move carelessly towards him, plucking leaves and grass as
though perfectly oblivious of his presence.

Rataplan suddenly stopped moving his huge head, and his wicked little
eyes were bent on her with scrutiny and interest. He was not, however,