`` When thou hast seen the elephants dance . That is the proper time . Come to me when thou hast seen the elephants dance , and then I will let thee go into all the Keddahs . '' There was another roar of laughter , for that is an old joke among elephant-catchers , and it means just never . There are great cleared flat places hidden away in the forests that are called elephants ' ball-rooms , but even these are only found by accident , and no man has ever seen the elephants dance . When a driver boasts of his skill and bravery the other drivers say , `` And when didst thou see the elephants dance ? '' Kala Nag put Little Toomai down , and he bowed to the earth again and went away with his father , and gave the silver four-anna piece to his mother , who was nursing his baby brother , and they all were put up on Kala Nag 's back , and the line of grunting , squealing elephants rolled down the hill path to the plains . It was a very lively march on account of the new elephants , who gave trouble at every ford , and needed coaxing or beating every other minute . Big Toomai prodded Kala Nag spitefully , for he was very angry , but Little Toomai was too happy to speak . Petersen Sahib had noticed him , and given him money , so he felt as a private soldier would feel if he had been called out of the ranks and praised by his commander-in-chief . `` What did Petersen Sahib mean by the elephant dance ? '' he said , at last , softly to his mother . Big Toomai heard him and grunted . `` That thou shouldst never be one of these hill buffaloes of trackers . That was what he meant . Oh , you in front , what is blocking the way ? '' An Assamese driver , two or three elephants ahead , turned round angrily , crying : `` Bring up Kala Nag , and knock this youngster of mine into good behavior . Why should Petersen Sahib have chosen me to go down with you donkeys of the rice fields ? Lay your beast alongside , Toomai , and let him prod with his tusks . By all the Gods of the Hills , these new elephants are possessed , or else they can smell their companions in the jungle . ''
Kala Nag hit the new elephant in the ribs and knocked the wind out of him , as Big Toomai said , `` We have swept the hills of wild XXXXX at the last catch .
Gods beast bravery driver elephants forests man money skill soldier