Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-08-04
An Indian Tiger Hunt.

lie was celebrated lOr the number OF tigers he
had killed, and and bore the reputation of
being the boldest hunter on the Peninsula
He often expressed his wish to show me tiger
hunt but at that time had no expectation of
witnessing the sport About six months after
wards, however, we met in tn Peninsula, and
enjoyed the long wished for opportunity of
witnessing the exciting and dangerous amuse-
ment
1t was bright sunny morning when we set
toward the thicket, in which after being driven
from surrounding jungle, it was said magrfi-
cent tiger had taken refuge. Our company
consisted Of the Major, half dozen brother
officers, and myself, mounted upon elephants,
with numerous train Of natives on foot,
whose business it would be to start the game
from It's retreat. We were all armed with
rifles, and were confident of success. The
Major however cody informed us that we must
take our chance Of spring Of the animal, who,
when forced to abandon his covert, would
most likely single out some one Of US for his
leap. We laughed gaily in reply, and set
out.
A long ride through the Jungle at last
brought Us within convenient distance to the
thicket, and obeying the Majors instructions.
we looked at the state Of our rifles and then
gave orders to the native hunters TO begin
Hitherto all had been careless gayety on our
part, but, as the danger began in good earnest
our laughter was huShed, and we sat silently
waiting the proceeding of our allies on foot
1t was not long that they kept US in suspense.
Fairly approaching the thicket they set up
their wild cries, and, finding this Intellectual
they sent their dogs into the covert, urging
tbnD, forrap,l with rbp nd IL
prickng them with their long spears
hoarSe growl, or rather scream from the
inmost recess Of the covert, at this moment,
betrayed the position of the game, and convnc-
ed US that the monster was rising from his lair
We all stood in expectation waiting for his
deadly spring. But after momentary rustling
in the thcket all was again still as if the animal
had risen to reconnoitre his foe, and convinced
of the oyerpowcring number, had sullenly re-
treated to the most impenetrable part of his
fortress. Half an hour succeeded in unavailing
attempts to dislodge him, but save deep
growl at times from the centre of his coyerct,
there was no evidence Of the monsters neigh
borhood."
This will never do said the Major at
length. We must scorch the fellow out
barnn bHl!In HbeEe E%rov voa Williams why haynt you
The thicket was of no very great extent,
but apparently utterly impregnabe. 1t was
an oversight that the lighting of fires had not
been attempted before, but perhaps the native
hunters had trusted to their mutual efforts to
dislOdgc the monster. Now however they set
about it with alacrty, and in a short time had
completely surrounded the royal beast
4 scene Of intense interest ensued, which
every moment became more exciting The
shouts of the men, the heavy tread Of the ele
plants, the heavy cracking of the ruddy fires
and at intervals the deep growl Of the enraged
monster, awokc in the mind sensations Of
strange delight not uumingIed with consci-
BUSINESS of imminent danger. AS the fires be-
came more fierce, the louder and more frequent
growls of the impatient beast warned us that
he would soon break from his covert, and
forgetting everything but his approaching
appearance, we grasped our rifles, keenly fixed
our eyes on the thckct and breathlessly waited
his desperate spring The hunters meanwhile
ceased their shouts, the elephants were silently
posted in convenient positions, and nothing for
few minutes was heard but the cracking of
the fires and the now quick and angry voice
of the infurlated monster, until suddenly a roar
was heard few short rapid leaps followed
in the covert, and instantly the huge beast was
seen sailing through the air. his tail streaming
out behind, and bis very hair bristling upon
him in his rage.
Almost simultaneously the Major shouted,
" Look ont there Here he is a quick eye
boys, and steady trigger I"
But before his warning had reached US the
tiger had alighted on our elephant and was
clinging within yard OF me to the bleeding
side of the beast. For a moment. confess
was too startled to do anything that instant
of bcwilderment had almost cost me my life.
The situation of the monster was such that my
companions were fearful of firing lest they
should hit mvself-while native spearSmen,
dreading the despair of the ferOcions ANIMAL
would not approach near enough to succor me-
A second, however, of bewilderment, followed
by another cool, clear and thinking, and |
placed my rife almost at the heart OF the
monster and fired But at the very instant a
frantic movement on the part of the elephant,
ierked the tiger so that be partly slipped off,
and | saw with horror that my ball had only
erazed the upper part of his head, inflamiug
him doubly without in the least iujuring him.
| should have had another rife, but when |
turned to grasp it, ] saw that in the frenzed
struggle of the elephant to get rid of the
opponent it had fallen upon the ground |
had no weapon left but ny hunting knife, and
the huge beast was already collecting himself
for another spring. My very blood seemed to
freeze within me, and cold icy shiver shot
through my frame. Destitute of firearms
despairing of succor, without the least spark
of hope | resolved, notwithstanding, to make
a desperate resistance, selling my life asdearly
as could. All this, however, had not occu-
pied minute, for the monster was just re-
covering himself for his last spring. But that
minute was sufficient. Already l could feel
his breath upon me-already beheld the foam
upon his lips Holding my weapon firmly be-
fore me, in expectation of the last mortal
struggle, l heard the voice of the Major shout