A moment later they had a glimpse of the herd down below.  It was true that the hunters had succeeded in stopping the stampede, and once more the huge beasts were going in the right direction.

“There’s a good place to make a landing,” suggested Tom, as he saw a comparatively clear place in the jungle.  “It’s near the stockade, and, in case of danger, I can make a quick get-away.”

“What kind of danger are you looking for?” asked Ned, as he shifted the deflecting rudder.

“Oh, one of the beasts might take a notion to chase me.”

The landing was made, and Tom, taking Ned and Mr. Nestor with him, and leaving the others to manage the airship in case a quick flight would be necessary, made his way along a jungle trail to the entrance to the stockade.  He carried his camera with him, for it was not heavy.

On came the elephants, frightened by the shouts and cries of the beaters, and the firing of guns.  The young inventor took his place near the stockade entrance, and, as the elephants advanced through the forest, tearing up trees and bushes, Tom got some good pictures of them.

Suddenly the advance of the brutes was checked, and the foremost of them raised their trunks, trumpeted in anger, and were about to turn back again.

“Get away from that bloomin’ gate!” shouted a hunter to Tom.  “You’re scaring them as bad as your airship did.”

“Yes, they won’t go in with you there!” added another man.

Tom slipped around the corner of the stockade, out of sight, and from that vantage point he took scores of pictures, as the tame animals led the wild ones into the fenced enclosure.  Then began another wild scene as the gate was closed.

The terrified animals rushed about, trying in vain to find a way of escape.  Tom managed to climb up on top of the logs, and got some splendid pictures.  But this was nearly his undoing.  For, just as the last elephant rushed in, a big bull charged against the stockade, and jarred Tom so that he was on the point of falling.  His one thought was about his camera, and he looked to see if he could drop it on the soft grass, so it would not be damaged.

He saw Koku standing below him, the giant having slipped out of the airship, to see the beasts at closer range.

“Catch this, Koku!” cried Tom, tossing the big man his precious camera, and the giant caught it safely.  But Tom’s troubles were not over.  A moment later, as the huge elephant again rammed the fence, Tom fell off, but fortunately outside.  Then the large beast, seeing a small opening in the gate that was not yet entirely closed, made for it.  A moment later he was rushing straight at Tom, who was somewhat stunned by his fall, though it was not a severe one.

“Look out!” yelled Ned.

“Take a tree, Tom!” cried Mr. Nestor.

The elephant paid no attention to any one but Tom, whom he seemed to think had caused all his trouble.  The young inventor dashed to one side, and then started to run toward the airship, for which Ned and Mr. Nestor were already making.  The elephant hunters at last succeeded in closing the gate, blocking the chance of any more animals to escape.