The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-04
BIDDEF ORD, MAIN 3,

precious ore is concealed. Neither did l 10
get the more probable belief, that where Il
peafowl are found, there, too, inhabits u
tiger. =
But l had never shot peacock, and u
sportsman's lust overcoming both the miser
greed and the prudent mans caution, l star
ed up from the voluptuous rest into which
had fallen, and was deep in the thick MAJ
of an undeniable though thick forest, ere
felt convinced that. this was the principa
quarter prohibited by my little guide. lha
twice raised the gorgeous bird, and twic
fred in vain, when, as was crossing a nar
row ravine over which it had passed, an
through which ran little thread of water
my eyes became all at once riyetted on Ger
tain marks in the sandy soil-thc unmistak
able "bagh ku pungi''-the traces of
cheeta's feet. Knowing that thcleopardan'
panther frequent the deepest dclls, making
their dens in such cool retreats as are likel,
to furnish water US we'll Us shade, / resolvet
on instant return, but had not retraccd m.
way forty PAGES ere q loud growl in advanc'
startled me into the certainty Of immediate
danger. Before me in almost theyery tracl
| had come, and glaring through acacii
bushes, saw pair of fiery globes-th'
eyes of the crouching peril; whilst lashinl
its tail, it gave, in truth, dreadful notes O.
PREPARATION.
/ was, as nearly as Icould calculate, with
in two springs oft. My Manton was load
ed, but not with ball to my right was or
open space, leading to few scattered kayat
or wood apple trees, between which and me
the ground seemed to have been recently
broken up for several yards, for it was here
and there cut up, while leaves and branches
were strewed over all.
A glance was sufficient to convince that il
attainable, my post of defence would be the
bolc Of the nearest, which was also the larg.
est tree; almost despairing Of reaching il
ere the chceta made his attack, instead ol
turning back, l effected q sudden leap to the
right and in another moment gained the de.
sired position, yet, not without running an
other unexpected risk, for in my momentary
descent upon the intervening space, l found
the leafstrewn soil give way under me, and
instantly became aware that beneath it was
q hole or chasm of some sort.
In another instant, the unsteady footing |
had there occupied was invaded by the pur-
suing chccta. The enormous and ferocious
creature, lighting within foot Of me, ut
the very verge of the pitfall-ior such it in
deed proved-had scarcely touched the
treacherous superstructure, ere the whole
giving way he was precipitated backwards
still, however, clinging by his fore paws
to the margin, whence his hot fetid breath
struck against my forehead.
In the utmost terror I.coald yet sazo with
q strange fascination on the grand but aw-
full appearance of the animal, itself full OF
fear as well as rage, its eyes red and raven
Gus, sent chill to my blood, while from it,
jaws, covered with foam, issued
the appalling discord Of its voice. Once il
raised itself 80 completely from the chasm
into which its hinder parts depended, that
made sure it would effect its escape; ant
with last effort, l raised my fowling-piecc
levellcd it at his eyes and fired. The cheeta
yelling hidoously, fell into the pit; ant
breathing q fervent thanksgiving for sucl
an issue to my well-foundcd apprchcnsions
l sank, utterly unable to stand upon tn
ground.
But it was no time for delay; the cvcnin,
was fast advancing, shadows were alrcad,
lengthening into gigantic grotesqucncss, ant
l had 50 entirely cntangled myself in tn
Jungle, that | could not be certain of m,
way out of it.
On, however, struck, till finding mysel
more deeply involved in the fastness, paus
cd to reflect. The sun was setting, its gol
den light falling like the intangible shadow
of troop of bright spirits on the greer
branches Of the trees, reminding me that
had come towards the sinking luminary.-
But the trees increased in size, the jungle
thickened-therc were the numerous ravinc
and gullies in the course had taken, and
really felt very uncomfortable.
Presently found myself at the mouth o
q sort of cave, and concluded that it nigh
be the lair Of the cheeta or his mate, turn
cd away from it, and ascended slight mount
covered with soft moss, and parasite plants
which indeed, proved to be the roof of tn
antrc; for, whilst I gropcd on hands ant
knees, escalading the slippery, yet gradua
ascent, a sound Of human voices reacho
me, and ! had scarcely paused to listen, ere
10 ! the whole gave way, whilst, as If in ri
diculous imitation Of my recent foe, down
fell, unhurt, but sorely alarmed, among
group who were assurcdly more alarme
than myself. Screams, cries, and imprcca
tions assailed me.
Bhaug' Bhaug! Its tiger!" crie'
one.
Afrect, sowl, pcashash! |! It's goblin
spectre, Demon" said another an
when, at length, got up, picked up m
uninjured limbs and manton, found mysel
in the centre of subternnean hut, the oC
cupants Of which were an old man, VIC
man and a boy-all Of whom had evidcntl
been busy tending great fire, on whic
were placed the simple utensils employed b
the natives in the distillery of smugglcd al
rack. 1t was, in fact, the secret retreat G
a " kutal," or distillcr of spirituous liquor,
In few words, explained the nature G
the accident-the adventure of the cheeta-