The Vinita weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1905, 1904-05-12
PLAYED IN LIONS DENs.
sports and Games under Disadvmn-
tugeous Conditions for the Pub-
lies Entertainment.

The visitors TO In, Ipswich Hippo
drome were lately treated TO a novel
entertainment IN a game Of billiards
played between the manager and local
gentleman in the lions Gen. The
game, which was twenty-five up, was
keenly contested despite the presence
of nine lions under the care OF their
tanner, Mile Ella. says London Tit-Bits.
The scientific game OF chess was
played under similar disadyantageous
conditions some years since between
TWO enthusiasts, who pitted their skill
against each other In the cage OF lions
over which Macomo, the negro tanner.
held stern rule. The players showed ex-
traordinary nerve under the unique and
very trying circumstances, and on their
game being brought 10 conclusion
proposed a second-a suggestion, how
ever, which did not meet with the ap-
proval OF the llon-kine, whose charges
were becoming omlrously excited.
To drink a bottle Of champagne and
plav game of cards IN a lions den was
The ambition which prompted a butcher
20 enter a wild beasts cage az a menag-
erie that was not long since on show at
PrIvas. in the department oi the Ar
deche. France Before an excited crowd
Of spectators the butcher having played
his game opened his bottle and poured
out glass Of wine, which be promptly
tossed OF.
He then sang a song and having
helped himself TO another glass offered
II IN spirit OF reckless brayado to one
Of the lions which, sprlneine upon him
knocked him down and before assist
ance could come. inflicted on him some
fearful wounds He was extricaied at
last from hls perllous position In an al
'ucs dying state
a year since, when ping-poug was
'te rage. Messrs lizard and Barnard
riayed a game " a cage containing a
tozen Hons belonging 10 menagerie sta
Ioned at Brighton The game was
twenty up for Il was announced. $50
aside. and when after six minutes play,
the scGr9 stood al nineteen all. II was
Lseldcd 10 prolong Il by FIVE more
points. Mr. Barnard ultimately proving
the victor The keeper who was, Of
course present during the contest. kept
vlgilant eye upon his savage charges
who seemed 10 have regarded the balls
ss they fell around with npathetlc curl
osity and the players with tolerant good
nature
Ned siockman. clever lightweight
pugilIst. who fourlshed az the COM
mencement of the last century. was
once challenged 70 a three-round glove
contest hy a novice. couditionally on
the latter's choosing the venue, which.
on his rivals agreeing. turned out to be
the lions cage beloneing 10 Atkins
meuagerie. The professional unwlll-
inc 70 lose the el0 which he had staked
on his success. turned mp az the place
appointed bat the presence ~ the
beasts although kept IN subsection by
their keeper 80 unnerved him that he
resigned the contest a. the conclusion
Of the first round
For a wager a 1000 francs Maurice
Bertin agreed 70 enter Ions cage and
'ycle round its occupants Two lions and
4 lioress The feat toek place az Hlmm's
meraeerie lu Ager The beasts which
stood with their iseper % the center Of
the esrs. we're passive enough ai frrf.
hu' AZ length ore of the 1iors erouchsd
q spri0s ard oalv q vigorous appltca-
si1- n tfe whip avsritG catastrophe
fta~sIr T. tha f-.rer while wsae eofr rzief.