Someplace I read that a PH had a ghost sight or maybe a low power scope with which he would aim as a client took a
brain shot. If he still saw gray after he heard the shot he wrote that he would shoot. Every PH forms an initial opinion of the skills and expereince of the client and if they are any good they can adjust their behavior accordingly. Was it a brand new large caliber double rifle recently acquired for a first time elephant hunt by an unknown client? Already the PH is suspicious. The client either had bad luck or poor execution, in any case the PH's priority is first to bring him back alive from the experience and second to make sure a wounded animal does not escape.