nielmonne

Updated: May 26, 2025

This is a sound that invariably is heard whenever an elephant detects the fresh scent of a tiger; and Nielmonne, instead of standing quiet, became doubly excited, as she evidently understood that the dreaded game was on foot, and advancing before the line.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

Immediately Nielmonne backed through the feathery tamarisk without the slightest sound, and we found ourselves outside the jungle. We could breathe freely. I counted the elephant's paces as she moved softly parallel with the jungle, until I felt sure of my distance. A slight pressure upon the mahout's head, and Nielmonne turned to the right.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

I was mounted upon a female elephant, a good creature named Nielmonne, who was reputed to be staunch, but as the line of beaters approached nearer, and the varied sounds increased in intensity, she became very nervous and restless, starting should a small deer dart out of the jungle, and evidently expecting momentarily the appearance of the enemy.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

The tiger's head was still there, but in a different attitude, one-half below the surface, and only one cheek, and one large eye still glittering like an emerald, above. "Run in quick," -and the order was instantly obeyed, as Nielmonne splashed through the pool towards the silent body of the tiger. There was not a movement of a muscle.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

Nothing remained now except six or seven yards of the sharp corner, and the elephants marched forward, when a tremendous roar suddenly startled them in all directions, and one of the largest tigers I have ever seen sprang forward directly towards Nielmonne, who, I am ashamed to say, spun round as though upon a pivot, and prevented me from taking a most splendid shot.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

This was immediately accepted, and leaving the elephants to form line, I hurried forward on Nielmonne, keeping in the grass outside the edge of the long jungle. I had advanced about three-quarters of a mile, when the character of the jungle changed to tamarisk, and I felt certain that I was near the spot of yesterday.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1