Elephant Run

Two days later, Hilltop meets Nick and Mya in the passageways in the evening. He informs them that the Colonel has called off the search, and they will leave the next evening. Nick refuses to go, informing both Hilltop and Mya of his plan to turn himself in, in exchange for the release of his father. Hilltop is skeptical, but Nick won't give in. Finally, Hilltop agrees to travel to the railroad camp to try to rescue Jackson and Indaw. Both Nick and Mya are thrilled, though terrified. Hilltop pulls out a straight razor and Buddhist monk robes. He reveals that in order to pass through enemy territory, Mya and Nick will have to shave their heads and pretend to be monks: “And there is more to it than cutting hair. If we happen to encounter soldiers, they will be […] very familiar with Buddhist practices. To be convincing, you must not only look like novices, you must act like novices” (218). Hilltop initiates Mya and Nick into Buddhist monastic life in the passageways of Hawk's Nest.

Nick, Mya, and Hilltop climb down into the tunnel to make their way out of Hawk's Nest. They go looking for food stores, but on the way, they are ambushed by Magwe and a few other mahouts, who followed Hilltop into the house. At first Nick and Mya assume Magwe will turn them in, but he releases them and prepares for his own espionage. He is going to blow up the airfield to force the Colonel to return his mahouts to Hawk's Nest. Magwe and Hilltop commiserate on the idiocy of war; Hilltop says, “And like all wars, […] when it's over, people will wonder why it was even fought. Senseless” (226). Nick, Mya, and Hilltop escape and walk toward the jungle, slowly enough that they see the airfield explode behind them. Hilltop then disappears for a moment and returns with Hannibal. Mya helps him put on Hannibal's saddle, and all three climb aboard the reformed elephant and head off into the night. 

Nick, Mya, and Hilltop travel by night on Hannibal's back through the jungle. For two days, it is uneventful. Hilltop tells them stories, including the tale of Hannibal's attack and Bukong's damaged leg. After a few days, they come near a small village. They have run out of food, and scavenging isn't doing much to fill them up. Hilltop, Mya, and Nick go into the village to ask for offerings in exchange for a blessing. They meet a young man named Kya Lei: “In Burmese, Kya Lei meant Tiger's Breath. An odd name, even for a Burman, Nick thought” (240). Kya Lei brings the trio a large quantity of dried meat and rice. Suddenly, the villagers and Lei scatter as Japanese jeeps drive up. Hilltop covers for Nick and Mya, insisting they have taken a vow of silence. The Japanese are angry when Hilltop is sarcastic with them, after they ask about the whereabouts of the “thief and [...] traitor” (243) Kya Lei. They burn down a bamboo house in anger but ultimately let Hilltop, Nick, and Mya continue on their way.