About four o'clock
The usual gurgling , grunting , and rocking with which he amused himself at night were wanting , and though there was a large field of sugar-cane near by , and he must have been hungry , he never tried to help himself as he would have done on any other occasion . In spite of the feeling of repulsion Alec began to feel a little pity for the remorseful giant , for it was most probable he would be shot for killing Piroo , whose drunken madness had brought about his own death . But all things have an end , and even that night passed away like the passing of a strange delirium . About four o'clock Maharaj became very restless , thinking it was time to start , and pulled and pushed Tippoo till he sat up , rubbing his eyes and looking about in a dazed way . The elephant went down on his knees , and the boys took advantage of the invitation and were soon in their places . Then Maharaj slowly picked up his burden and they recommenced their journey home . The jackals were much disappointed , and followed listlessly for a short distance , then slunk off down a nullah to avoid the light of day .