koomkies

The third night the _koomkies_ were brought out again, this time with

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin

The _mahout_ realized that unless he got him into the _keddah_ soon he would be of no use at all, and once more did his best with _koomkies_ and dainty bits of food to tempt him to follow into the _keddah_.

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin

Having done her duty and treacherously inveigled him in to the snare, with a little, triumphant wave of her trunk and a funny, little, trumpeting noise she had marched with a sort of "conquering hero" air back to her stable, there to tell the other _koomkies_ of her prowess and successful capture.

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin

But the sight of Kinka nearly drove Rataplan mad; he strained and tore at the ropes, trumpeting and roaring, until even the _koomkies_ were frightened.

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin

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

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin

In vain a whole lot of _koomkies_ were brought out to try and induce him to follow them into the _keddah_; he was not to be tempted, and tore and strained at his ropes to such a degree that the _mahout_ feared he would make wounds that could never be healed; so he took away the _koomkies_ and waited yet another night.

Rataplan, a rogue elephant; and other stories Ellen Velvin