The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-05-21
FIERcELY sNUFFING

the breeze, we could distinguish the outline Of
the tiger. Our presence was evidently known,
and most likely we would receive a visit.
A short consultation ended in a volley from
all four Of the rifles which we rapidly re-
loaded. We were not left IN doubt long as 10
our success With a terrific scream the tiger
sprang from tie bank and lessened the dis
tance by 10 feet A furious splashing among
the reeds, which came nearer and nearer,
assured Us that we were TO have IL out AZ close
quarters. UutvinE our lines we saw every
thing clear and then, all sitting on the same
edge, we careened the boat SO that the side
toward the tiger was high out Of the water.
1t seemed an age, but az last the huge brute
appeared through the Tushes swimming trantl-
cay toward Us. The two sailors fired, but
missed. Then, with anxious tremOr, the Cap
tain fred his shot. lt was a hit, but not fatal.
" Load quickly!" l cried, and with hutter
at my heart, leveled my piece al the tawny
head and fired Before j could reload the huge
paws OF the beast were on the edge OF the boat,
aud we were all thrown down. One sailor fell
overheard backward. The Captain went clear
over the tiger into the water. ] aud the other
sailor fell into the bottom Of the boat
Gathering myself up aud drawing the Japan
ese dagger which j carried as a hunting kua-e
] prepared to sell my life as dearly possible.
The sailor happily fell near the halcIeg which
be grasped, and with a quick h.lH nearly
severed one Of the paws from the .es.
AS THE BRUTE TURNED
toward him, drove my knife 30 The hilt iu his
throat, and AS i drew back a crimson torrent
spHrted All over me.
Not a moment too sOon for the weight Of the
animal had nearly capsized Us. The water WIS
pouring over the gunwale. With a Rurge the
tiger lost its hold, and after short struggle
ceased 10 move
Where were our oomrades2 Raising shout
We were soon answered by the Captain, who
had found a hummock. aud was now more
afraid Of chils than beasts. The sailor was
swimming around and soon Joined rs. So
picking the Captain up we were all right eX-
cept the two rifles which had sunk.
Tying the tiger to the boat which we bailed
out we once more fastened the boat and rolled
mp in the blankets for a sleep. ] took the
watch, and during my two hours skinned the
tiger as il lay IN the water along side the boat
] found six bullet holes in its body. One, my
last, had gone through the nose and come out
at the back of the head to ono side; two were
through the headquarters; the other three
flesh wounds only. As ] felt Of its long, sharp
claws, my blood ran cold 10 think how close
we had bcen 90 feeling them. When daylight
at last broke we had another chance az a drove
OF deer. but we were stated, and only knocked
over the stag lor his sutlers. Having taken
the head aud hams. we pulled down the river
aud into the saw-mill creek. The men on the
/ lanch were busy getting up steam to come after
4 us. thinking that we had got into trouble, for
I they bad heard the guns during the night.
Leaving ali our fleets in the boat we walked
/ up TO camp aud found tHe others ready 10 move
4 toward home. So we packed up. broke camp,
and were soon steamug shipward. Ou the
4 down trip we had no mishaps aud reached the
vessel just before sunset, early enough 10 dis
/ play 10 the wideOpen eyes Of our messmstes
the skins Of the eight does, four wolves and the
4 tiger; the hosr's head and the branching
( antlers OF the stag.
You missed IL, Jack. this time" said J.
We followed your ad vice and waited 10 be
hunted T; hence our luck"
10 be cDUf,Hucdl