Kansas City daily journal., 1897-01-25
WOMAN CowEp A LION.
Nine. Pinnka Had Close Call and "A
Panic Was Averted.

| From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The alert courage of a pretty woman was
all that averted a panic and perhaps n fa-
tai casualty yesterday afternoon Nine
Gertrude Charlotte Pianka. the heroine of
the affair, represents the total number of
the wounded. her injuries being decidedly
painful, if not serious. Nine. Planka is
professionally known as the Lady of
Lions" Her savage pets were stored in
the inner lobby of the museum, awaiting
removal to the curio hall.
In ore of the cages was Nero, a young
Nero is the sole offspring of the notorious
old murderer, Nero, who has killed every
traineI-there Were four in all-that has
ever attempted to subjugate his ferocious
spirit.
The six cages containing young Nero and
his fellow members Of Nine. Pianka's leon
inc family had been visited by Charlie
Ward, one of Nine. Pianka's attendants,
young colored man, who has grown up
among wild animals, when Nero set up
doieful howl, which his attendant recog-
nized as being intended to convey the in
formation that his honships thirst had not
been arpeased, and that he desired another
pan of water. Charlie hastily filed pan,
and. lifting up the door, which slid up YER
tically. slipped the vessel into the cage.
He neglected. however: to fasten the catch,
an inadvertence of which Nero did not fail
20 take note.
A stream of people was passing from the
cuTio hall through the lobby into the thea
ter, while over in one corner Nine. Pianka
was chatting with Manager Bradenburgh,
when an ominous roar shook the walls. All
eyes were turned to the quarter from
whence the warning proceeded. BY insert
ing u paw beneath the door. Nero had
lifted it up far enough to push his head
through. and his yell was one of triumph
preceding his dash into freedom and fright
ened humanity.
With a glance Nine. Pianka took in the
situation Back, Nero, back!'' she cried
sharply.
But Nero had tasted freedom and forgot
the penalties which attended disobe1ience
With another roar he again pushed for
ward. and again his mistress commanding
cry rang through the lobby. Defiantly and
deliberately the big man eater shook his
head as he made another plunge forward
and n moment later he would have shaken
himself clear of the incumbering gate but
for the promptness of plucky Nine. Pianka
Springing quickly forward she grabbed the
tin water pan and banged Nero on the nose
with it so vigorously that the tears came
into his eyes.
The big beast. accustomed to dressings
down with redhot bars and knotted thongs,
was surprised by the novelty and unex-
backed toward the cage. Again and again |
the tin pan. welded with all the vigor in |
Nine. Pianka's vigorous frame. cIattered |
against his tender nose as he slowly re- |
treated in astonishment.
Presently Nero gathered himself togeth- |
er- With scream that sounded through |
out the building he struck out with a |
mighty paw and clutChed his mistress by |
the arm. The force of the blow brought |
Her 10 tne moor. ana the now fnfuriated |
animal stood across her PROSTATE form for !
q moment preparatory to dealing her the |
final blow The spectators. almost paral-
yzed with terror. turned away their heads
but quick as a flash faithful Charlie Ward |
sprang from the crowd. armed with a big
iron bar. which he jabbed desperately into
the ribs of the rebellious animal. Several
vigorous thrusts and Nero was beaten back |
into the cage, growing sullenly as he re-
treated.
Nine. Pianka, her arm dripping with
blood, was assisted into the Office and a |
was hastily summoned. The |
wounds which extended from the shoulder |
TO the elbow. and penetrated TO the bone, |
We're cauterized and dressed. |