The sun., 1900-01-05
. aeoaoeeeeooeoI
In t6e Lions
8 . . 90 Q o 9 9SOe0e

laa fixed on July } Is
ny Installation into my new RI
a nierrs. 1t was arranged %Fg Ss%
soon rs my performance at Neuul '
was concluded we should get into my
brougham and drive off to Asnieres to
gire a housewarning to a few of our
most intimate friends.
Oh entering the menagerie became
aware Of certain excitement among
the beasts, but this was nothing un-
usual and gave me no uneasiness.
When the time came, I should be able
easily to restore the normal and prop
erly regulated quiet and calm. At last
/ was to realize my long cherished
dream was my own master. was
10 be 10 longer a wanderer on the face
of the earth, but was about to have
d settled, comfortable house Of my
own. 1t was n fete day for me, and
longed for the evening to come to an
end After all, it would not be lonE. :
A performance lasts a little un1isr ~
half hour. | should be home before
midnight.
| entered the cage as usual. intro
duced the first lion, the second, the
third, the fourth in succession, then
the two white bears. No accident hap
pened 10 mar this little reunion.
Each animal, one after another re-
tired and was secure in its own COM
partment, and | remained alone with
Sultan. This was the lion that had
already distinguished himself at Lyons
by deyouring the arm Of butcher,
who subsequently died. He was a
handsome African, with a black name.
He was never very sweet tempered.
His eyes shot forth flames and men
aces. That evening he looked more
terrible than usual.
held the bar before him. He
crouched in a corner and refused to
jump.
threatened him with my whip. He
growled.
| urged him further.
He growled more loudly, showing
his teeth and lashing the floor with bis
long tail.
Just at that instant | felt the re-
mains of an attack of rheumatism. Ny
leg panied me. What was | to do?
Should l retreat and thus save myself
from danger?
You little know me If you suppose
such a thought ever entered my head.
There must be struggle, knew.
| made a step in advance. Suddenly
a sharp twinge of pain seized me. my
knee gave way and fell.
A lion tanner who falls is lost. With
one spring Sultan was upon me, with
his heavy armed paw upon my head,
ripping open my flesh, slashing and
tearing me. q
From every part arose Screams
screams Of terrified women and of#&
shouting for help.
Perhaps | was the only person bres-
ent WHO did not scream. knew bow
necessary it was for me to remain calm
and risk nothing by wrong moge-.a s
ment. The least mistake on my part
ard all would be over with me
/ seized the animal, painting With
fury, his mouth wide open by the
throat. Gathering up all my strength,
twisted his skin so as TO choke him
He ceased his movements. His mus
cles relaxed. Suddenly he turned his
head.
What had happened? Manetti, one
Of my employees, with his son, had
run to my assistance. One Of them
had slipped through the movable bar,
the other through the small gate. They
we're worrying the beast with redhot
irons.
got up on my knees and then man
aged to stand upright. Once on my feet
| was again master and able to COM
mand 1 faced the rebel and with "
gesture forced him to re-enter his cage@
Moments such as these count in
life. Yet assure you was ready
recom1nence my performance.
ed my revenge. l would have PA
ed the rebel with heavy han
the public had had enough
tested.
Ny father-in-law and the
led me of. | was forced to vie
conceded something, however e
allowed me to make my bow Is
audience had so deeply .ex n
who called for me with PERI q
zy Of applause.
Mn costume, must confess,
far from fit for me to appear in befOTea
the public. The sleeve Of my coat
Gung ii tatters, the lapels and the col
lar were torn off and L was covered
with sand and blood. No matter.
was clieered to the skies. And then
I was handed over to the doctors.
Ny wounds were counted. l had ~
"Irs nothing" one Of the surgeons re-
marked. Ii it was nothing, what more
did be want?
Tbe consultation ended. | got mo
nv broueham with my wife. and we
sat off for the pretty new home had
never thought to enter in such gulse'
London Evening News
Never DO This.
..,.,o,, ,,rocfira 10 nut