Long Lost Found Again


A female elephant belonging to a gentleman at Calcutta broke loose from

her keeper, and was lost in the woods. The excuses which the keeper made

were not admitted. It was supposed that he had sold the elephant; his wife

and family therefore were sold for slaves, and he was himself condemned to

work upon the roads. About twelve years after, this man was ordered into

the country to assist in catching wild elephants. The keeper fancie
he

saw his long-lost elephant in a group that was before them. He was

determined to go up to it; nor could the strongest representations of the

danger dissuade him from his purpose. When he approached the creature, she

knew him, and giving him three salutes, by waving her trunk in the air,

knelt down and received him on her back. She afterwards assisted in

securing the other elephants, and likewise brought her three young ones.

The keeper recovered his character; and, as a recompense for his

sufferings and intrepidity, had an annuity settled on him for life. This

elephant was afterwards in the possession of Governor Hastings.



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