The story depicts a dusk scene at a military stable where soldiers and mahouts tend a line of government elephants; one animal punished for refusing to draw a cannon becomes sullen and dangerous, prompting discussion of caste, temperament, and the risks of a musting beast. Mulvaney tells of a youthful encounter in which he confronted and rode an enraged elephant, blending personal anecdote with comradeship and practical detail about artillery animals. The narrative balances dry humor and vivid observation while underscoring the tension between human control and the animal’s overwhelming strength and pride.