The Memoirs of a White Elephant
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I was greatly embarrassed by so much praise: and I could not make it understood that if I had a "Soul," it was simply a good, plain, elephant soul – all full of affection for him who had been the first to treat me as a friend.
He stroked me softly with his hand, and gazing at me smiled kindly; while I by all the means in my power – flapping my ears – snorting – and shuffling my feet, expressed my delight.
"I swear to you," said the Prince, "that hereafter you shall always be treated as an equal, and looked upon as my best friend!..
"But let us move on; our enemies may return in force, now that my escape must be known to all."
We descended a steep hill, parallel with the waterfall, and found ourselves in a beautiful fertile plain, through which the river, grown tranquil and shallow, ran gently over a bed of rocks and pebbles. I was able to wade across with ease a short distance below the cataract, which fell, scattering itself in snowy foam, which the sunlight filled with sparkling rainbows. Here was the leap we had so nearly taken! One could but tremble to look at it, in spite of the loveliness with which Nature had adorned it.
I looked for the horseman who had been dashed to pieces there, but not a trace of him was left.
When we reached the other side we found the plain covered with fresh grass, growing in thick tufts. My Master told me to eat.
"See! there is a fine meal for you," said he, "which you should take advantage of at once. I am sorry that I cannot, like you, breakfast on green bushes!.. For it is a long time since I have tasted food!"
But how could I eat when he was suffering the pangs of hunger? I continued on my way, as though I had not heard.
"I understand you well, Iravata," said the Prince. "You are refusing to eat because I am compelled to go fasting. But this will not do. I know the requirements of your vast stomach – those of men are more patient!"
I was above all tortured with thirst, and I drank my fill from the river.
"Eat", Iravata – "your stomach being empty will not fill mine!"
I pulled off here and there bunches of leaves and grass, but without stopping. I looked everywhere for signs of some houses or villages.
"That is useless," said the Prince, who devined my thoughts. "They robbed me of all I had, and did not leave me a diamond, or a rupee; and I am not yet so vanquished by misfortune as to be willing to beg! I have only succeeded in saving my royal Signet. The idea came to me to remove from my finger the ring on which it is engraved, and conceal it in my mouth. But I cannot barter this Seal, which will serve to identify me, for the sake of food. I must wait till we find people who are capable of understanding the significance of my ring, and who will furnish me with the means of reaching my Kingdom."
My Master was right. He could not sell his ring.
I hurried my steps to get out of this detestable prairie, which seemed to have no end. But though I travelled on and on, the same fresh grass and herbage surrounded us, with from time to time a few tall trees which bore no fruit; and not a sign of any human habitation was to be seen.
The Prince had gathered some large leaves with which to cover his head, and protect it from the burning rays of noon, and had also placed some on mine, knowing how the heat distresses us.
Some cultivated fields now appeared, and presently a group of giant bamboos, and in their midst an edifice of stone, in the form of a bee-hive.
"It is a Shrine," said Alemguir. "Let us not fail to render homage to the God it shelters, who meets us thus on our way, before going any further. Our prayers finished it will be well to rest ourselves in the shade of the trees."
What a surprise when I stood before the entrance of the Chapel! The stone God which appeared in the depths on a dais of velvet was a Man with the head of an Elephant!
"Ganesa! the God of Wisdom!" cried the Prince. "It is no chance that has brought us here before Him, to whom more than to all the others I should offer thanks!"
He knelt at the foot of the altar and prayed in a low voice. During this time I, who could not enter the small and narrow building, examined this strange God, who on the body of a Man bore a head like mine, and held the tip of his trunk in his right hand!
I could see the upper part of the altar which was hidden from my Master, being above his head. There were fresh offerings in plates and bowls – Oh! joy! Cakes, melted butter, and various fruits – enough to feed a man for three days!
My trunk reached the Altar. As the Prince finished his prayers I placed, one after another, the plates and dishes before him.
"Offerings!" cried he. "Certainly I would not venture to take them notwithstanding my extreme need; but offered by thee I may not refuse; it seems as if the God himself bestowed them on me… And perhaps thou art, thyself, Ganesa!"
I was not "Ganesa" but a very happy elephant. My Master ate; and there grew in this place all sorts of grasses and plants that were quite to my taste.
We slept during the hot hours of the day; and later we reached an inhabited place, which was evidently near, judging from the fresh offerings, and also from the odours which my acute sense of smell detected in the air.
It all seemed delicious, after what we had endured; and if it was, indeed, Ganesa who had helped us out of all our troubles, as the Prince seemed to think, I felt disposed to thank him most devoutly – and even to pray to him daily. For if it is possible for us to have a God – certainly it is Ganesa who should be the God of all Elephants…
CHAPTER XI
WE ARE TAKEN FOR ROBBERS
Various adventures befell Prince Alemguir and myself at Beejapoor, which was the first city to be reached after leaving the chapel of Ganesa, and where we were obliged to remain several months.
The English (the real masters of India) were in great numbers in Beejapoor, which contained the Residence of a Governor.
While here we were secure from any hostile act on the part of the Maharajah of Mysore, himself an English subject, and permitted to retain his sovereignty only by payment of a tribute; but other dangers threatened us; first of all, my Master was taken for a thief!
Seeing him wan, emaciated, almost naked, stripped of everything, his wrists and ankles scarred with the marks of chains, they would listen to nothing he said.
They suspected him of having escaped from prison – and what they accused him of stealing was nothing other than myself!
They were about to confiscate me, and separate us, but upon their venturing to lay hands on me my scream of rage scattered and sent flying both the police agents and the idlers that had gathered about, like a flock of sparrows!
The constables returned later, and finally agreed that the unknown stranger might possibly be the owner of the elephant, but he must go before a Magistrate, and make explanations, and the matter would then be decided.
I placed my Master upon my tusks, as I had done once before to protect him from the enemy's bullets, and carrying him thus, to the great astonishment of the crowd, I followed the police agents.
The Magistrate, notwithstanding the evidence, put us through various tests, in order to assure himself that the fugitive was really my owner; but concluded that even if such were the case it did not prevent him from being a dangerous person – a possible "spy" – or secret emissary of conspirators – and that he had best be lodged in jail.
Alemguir repeatedly demanded to be brought before the Governor of Beejapoor, to whom he could explain his situation; but the Governor was absent on a hunting expedition, and days passed without his return.
The Prince would have endured all these trials with fortitude had not his mind been tortured by the thought of Saphire-of-Heaven, who might be dying of grief and anxiety.
The retreat of the Army had doubtless made her aware of the defeat and capture of her husband. But since then she had heard nothing. She might suppose him killed, and might refuse to survive him…
The Governor finally returned, and the Prince at once claimed an audience of him.
Sir Percy Murray was a tall, thin man, with a white beard and bright, pleasant, blue eyes – very affable in manner, and with an air of frankness and good humour.
After the Prince had informed him who he was, and had shown him his Royal Signet-ring and recounted his misfortunes and adventures, the Governor expressed regret at the annoyances which his own over-zealous subordinates had caused during his absence, and invited him to be his guest at "Jasmine Cottage" in the suburbs of the city.
My Master urged that he be supplied with the means of returning at once to Golconda, where his absence might occasion disasters; but Sir Percy Murray, in spite of his civilities could not (so he said) allow an unknown person to leave without being assured of his identity; he would be blamed in high places – "and might even forfeit his position" – said he!
But he advised Alemguir to write to his wife and direct her to send some well-known residents of Golconda, and if possible an English witness, to come and identify the Prince; and this done, if he proved to be the person he claimed to be, he would at once be set at liberty.
While awaiting the arrival of the envoys the Governor of Beejapoor made every effort to entertain the Prince agreeably. His hospitality was most cordial; his family, numerous and full of gayety and good spirits joined him in offering open-air festivals, receptions and balls. And my Master, if not diverted, was at least much interested by the customs, so new to him, of English Society.
At last the messengers returned with a letter from Saphire-of-Heaven, and accompanied by the Uncle of the Prince, and several friends, who wept over him for joy, as they had recently done for sorrow.
Alemguir, treating me as a friend, as he always did, came and read to me the letter of the Princess, and announced that we were to leave the next day.
"If it were possible for you to travel by rail-road," added he, "we could arrive the same evening; but it would be difficult, and it might cause you distress!.."
So that I was not asked to go by Sea, I was willing to travel in any sort of way – and I made my Master understand that I was quite ready to go by train, so it was settled in that way.
I was installed in a great open car, the floor covered with a thick bedding, and with an awning overhead; and I was assisted to mount by means of a broad gang-plank placed at an easy incline.
One would have supposed that they had never before seen an elephant take a train, for there were a lot of boobies on the platform who had come to see me embark.
The Prince advised me to lie down so as to avoid the jolting as far as possible. And after bidding farewell to the Governor and the English officers who had escorted him to the station, he entered his carriage, and the doors were closed.
A whistle sounded, and the train started. Not being used to travelling in a carriage the motion caused me a slight vertigo – but nothing to compare with the abominable agonies of the voyage from Siam to Ceylon; and the thought of arriving before night filled me with joy, and enabled me to endure with patience my discomfort, while with increasing rapidity we ran, full speed towards Golconda…
CHAPTER XII
PARVATI
During our absence a little Princess had been born in the Palace of Golconda.
Alemguir, overflowing with joy, brought her to show me, in her baby robes of lace.
What a darling she was! How pretty, and fragile… She was like a Flower!
Her little hand held a golden rattle, and round her neck was a string of great pearls that looked like drops of frozen milk.
They had called her Parvati, which is the name of a Goddess. I was filled with deep emotion at the sight of her. My heart beat violently… But I could only express my feelings by awkwardly shuffling from one foot to the other.
Saphire-of-Heaven had been at the point of death, and they had concealed from her the reverses of the army, and the defeat and capture of her husband, the Prince. She had learned at one and the same time of the dangers he had encountered, and of his present safety. And the anticipation of seeing her husband so soon had aided her convalescence.
When she learned the part I had played in his escape, she came solemnly to thank me. To my great embarrassment she knelt before me, and did me homage, as they had done in Siam. Then she declared that, as my poor Mahout had been killed in battle, I should never have another, but should only be waited on by servants, having shown an intelligence so superior as to make it unnecessary to exercise control over me.
I was hereafter to be allowed complete liberty, in the Park, and throughout the Domain, both in the city and in the country, whenever I chose to walk out by myself.
Then began for me a most delightful existence. I felt as if I had been elevated to the dignity of a human being! And the sense of responsibility attached to this new condition inspired me with the resolve to avoid at all times giving trouble, or creating disturbance – and of proving myself worthy of the trust reposed in me.
Oh! what pleasure to leave the city, and go out into the fields and on to the forest! – and to roam freely under its branches, treading the underbrush, pulling up the young trees, as of old, without being obliged to consider and restrain my motions, as I was forced to do so often in surroundings that were too small for my stature.
I was able now to use some of my extra strength, and this rested and soothed me delightfully…
But after a few hours I began to feel how impossible it would be for me to endure the former solitude – how superior to myself I had become; and how entirely weaned from savage life.
A restlessness would seize me, a desire to see my Masters – my Friends, rather!.. A fear of being lost, abandoned – of not being able to find my way back came upon me.
I would hasten towards the city, relieved as soon as I saw the walls of Golconda – its domes, the colour of snow – its slender minarets, more beautiful than the palms of the forest! Once inside the walls, I loitered about the streets, sauntering through the bazaars, where everyone took pains to offer me something good.
Then I would enter the Palace, and my first thought was always to seek the little Princess Parvati. I would find her surrounded by her nurses and maid-servants, among gardens of jasmine and roses, and I would stand and watch her from a distance, absorbed in delighted admiration.
Slowly I watched her bloom, from day to day, from month to month; soon she was able to roll about on the flowery lawn, and walk, on hands and feet, like a young animal; then she stood up and began to take her first steps among out-stretched arms…
CHAPTER XIII
MY PRINCESS
One day – a day that is a burning point in my memory – the little Princess was rather more than a year old, and was able to run and jump finely; it was a short distance from a pretty lake bordered with lotus blossoms of all colours; her governesses were playing checkers, seated on rugs under the trees, while Parvati ran from flower to flower, chasing a splendid butterfly.
I followed her with my eyes, interested in the pursuit. The brilliant wings escaped her continually, fluttered on, and lighted further off; she grew impatient, and more and more eager in the chase, following the thousand zig-zags of the beautiful pink and blue butterfly, which seemed like a winged flower.
To my mind the little Princess was straying too far away, and approaching dangerously near the borders of the lake.
Why did they not call her back?
I looked over at the women. Two of them were playing checkers; all the others were watching the game, bending over the checker-board, and arguing about it with great volubility; they were completely absorbed, and not one was giving attention to her whom they were employed to watch over.
Trembling with indignation, I was about to run to them and upset their checker-board, when I beheld Parvati on the very brink of the water, and still running forward – the butterfly had lighted on a lotus. I was paralyzed with anguish, but not for long; for in an instant the little Princess had fallen, without a splash, or a cry that might have aroused attention.
In three bounds I was at the spot where she had disappeared among the lotus and the nenuphars. I groped and rummaged in the water with my trunk among the matted stems.
A cloud of mud rose from the bottom, obscuring everything, and the next few seconds seemed to me horribly, horribly long.
All the women now rushed up, uttering deafening cries, wringing their hands and tearing their clothing. It was high time truly! – but much good did it do! I would have been glad to throw them all into the lake…
At last I found and grasped the poor little Princess, and raised her, unconscious, and as if dead – dripping, and covered with black mud.
The governesses attempted to take her away from me in order to conceal their fault; but I was resolved it should be known, and, paying no regard to their clamours, I started to run to the palace.
It was a reception day; Saphire-of-Heaven was in the great Hall of the Throne, surrounded by courtiers and the Ladies of her suite. I entered without ceremony, interrupting the conversation, and the dances of the Bayaderes, and going straight to the Queen, I laid on her knees the child, all covered with mud, and without breath or motion.
Saphire-of-Heaven at first could not understand what had happened, and was about to throw off the black mass which was saturating her dress, but suddenly she recognized Parvati:
"My Daughter!" exclaimed she, "and in what a condition! Dead, perhaps!"
A physician was present and advanced.
"Calm yourself, your Majesty," said he, "It is only a fainting fit."
He took the child, removed its wet clothing, gave orders, and all present hastened to busy themselves in services to the little Princess.
The governesses had entered all in confusion behind me. They now undertook to explain matters, all talking together, with protestations, adjurations, and tears – it was totally incomprehensible…
"Be silent," said the Queen; "Do not speak except to answer my questions!"
She then began to interrogate the women.
"The Princess Parvati fell into the lake," said one sobbing. A negress added:
"It was the White Elephant who pushed her in."
I gave her on the instant such a blow on the back with my trunk that she fell to the floor.
"That woman has lied," said Saphire-of-Heaven. "Send all of them to prison. We shall soon learn the truth. For the present I must think only of my Daughter!"
In spite of the tears and supplications of the women, their arms were bound with silk cords, and they were removed, while the Negress was carried out on a stretcher.
Parvati, now revived, bathed, and wrapped in a veil of gold gauze lent by one of the Ladies, was replaced on the lap of the Queen.
The little darling seemed quite surprised at finding herself there, and did not appear to remember anything that had happened. She gazed at the smiling guests with her beautiful eyes opened wide under their long, black lashes, then shyly, she threw her arms around her mother's neck and hid her face on the Queen's breast.
She was not dead – not even hurt. What joy! I shuffled my feet, and teetered foolishly from side to side, and flapped my ears, having no other way of expressing my satisfaction.
"Iravata," said the Queen, stroking my forehead with her gentle hand, "We will find out what has happened, and you shall assist us in doing so. Never, never could I doubt thee, or believe that thou hadst been guilty of a wicked action. Perhaps it will prove that I shall again have to thank thee; it may be that I owe to thee the life of my Daughter, as I already owe that of my Husband!"
It was true; without me our lovely little flower would have been lost! If I had unfortunately been away from the palace at the moment, wandering in the forest, or in the bath, or eating a meal – or even absent-minded, and looking in another direction, it would have been a dead little girl that would have been taken out of the water. I shivered at the thought! and made up my mind never to lose sight of her again, and for this purpose I determined to give up my excursions, and my trips outside of the city.
The disturbance in the palace had attracted the notice of the King, and it had been impossible to conceal from him the accident which had happened to the Princess. He came in, much agitated; but Parvati ran to him, laughing, and quite recovered, delighted with the long golden veil in which she was wrapped, and which trailed behind her, making a noise on the carpet!
After having tenderly embraced his daughter, Alemguir asked for details of the accident, and as no one could furnish any, he directed that a search be made at once of the locality where it had occurred.
"Iravata," said he, "conduct us to the spot."
I obeyed immediately. The King, who carried Parvati in his arms, the Queen, and all the guests followed me, deeply interested.
Having reached the borders of the lake, I showed the King the overturned checker-board, and all the pieces scattered about, as when the game was interrupted. But they failed to understand what this had to do with the Princess having fallen into the water.
They examined with much emotion the spot where she fell – the broken lotus flowers, and the turf all trampled by my feet.
But all this explained nothing. Who was the guilty one? Who should be punished?
The women were brought again and questioned. But they continued to lie, making statements that were contradictory, but all accusing me.
"He came past us like a hurricane, terrifying us to death! The Princess was running on before him, and he pushed her into the lake."
"And then," inquired Alemguir, "who rescued her?"
"We did – we did: but the Elephant snatched her away from us and ran to the palace!"
The Prince looked at me, and I made a sign that this was not so.
"Let them be beaten till they are ready to speak the truth."
At once there was a concert of shrieks, which redoubled in shrillness when the slaves appeared armed with thongs of leather.
The King gave the word: the slaves seized, each one, a woman, threw her onto her knees, and administered a blow with the lash. One was sufficient to loosen their tongues and it was a race to see which could tell the story first.
"I am listening," said the King, and he designated the one who should be spokeswoman.
"Have mercy upon us, oh Mighty King," said she: "we are guilty! This is what happened: Annanta was playing a game of checkers with Zobeide, and the game turned out very extraordinary. We were all looking on, interested in spite of ourselves, but at the same time keeping watch over the dear Princess, who was gathering flowers and bringing them to us. Unfortunately, we were tempted to make wagers, and at the decisive moment our attention was entirely absorbed by the progress of the game. His Lordship, the White Elephant, had been standing for a long time looking through the bushes. All at once with a terrific roar he rushed through, tearing apart the branches, trampling the flowers, and ran towards the lake, from which after a moment he lifted the Princess."
The King approached me with tears in his eyes.
"Thou art verily our Good Genius, oh Iravata!" said he; "after saving me from a shameful death, thou hast now restored to me my daughter! Certainly there is not anywhere upon earth a man to whom I owe such a debt of gratitude, as to thee. Let those miserable women be sent away in exile," added he. "So much for the punishment of the Guilty; but how to recompense worthily the Rescuer?"
I would have been glad to be able to speak, and say that no reward could be more to me than the happiness of seeing them all alive, and of being allowed to live near them.
Saphire-of-Heaven shed floods of tears kneeling at the edge of the watery gulf that had so nearly deprived her of her child. All at once she rose, took Parvati in her arms, and held her out towards me.