The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-11
THE TIGER AND
i THE BICYCLE.
From The French Of J. n. Rosnp.

Two years ago we were travelling in the
Malaysinn islands, Sumatra and Java.
When going down the river Banyore-
Assim which flows among enormous for
ests, we landed one evening at the settle
ment OF Nieuwenhuys. About dozen
Dutch colonists live there, with the entire
population OF Malays and Chpese in their
service We met with generous hospitality
in the house of Mynheer Wander ouvehndt.
The following morning. while our host
was in the fields rose and, having taken
| a cup of tea, went strolling about the
dwelling. My attention was attracted by
a magnificent bicycle standing in shed.
At the sight of the machine ] was seized
with a wild desire to try it.
AT first l resisted than took out the
! wheel and mounted, determined to con-
| fine myself to a short ride. A good road
| led from the dwelling house and into the
| fields: the bicycle was perfect, and the
intoxication OF the ride became irresistible.
| Sure of permission from our amiable host.
1 was soon speeding across the rice and
coffee fields at rapid pace
Before long 1 was at the outskirts OF
the forest. Bewitched by the marvellous
| beauty of the spot I dismounted from
| the wheel in order to enjoy the imposing
scenery to the full.
A little lake Swallowed by overhanging
| branches seemed the image OF peace,
| and, seating myself on granite rock,
| I was soon lost in contemplation.
While I was sitting thus there was q
cracking in the bushes Something both
! heavy and lightfooted was making Its
| way to the edge of the woods. My heart
| stood still when I turned to see what II
' was About thirty feet from my rock
I powerful tiger issued from the shadow
| 1t was giant among it's kind.
| Hidden by hanging palm branches.
dared not move. In order to reach the
Bicycle it was necessary to regain the
road, and this was impossible wit bout
attracting the attention Of the tiger who
would easily oyertake me in two or three
leaps.
Besides, even IL I should succeed in
mounting the wheel alive, I would not
be safe If the animal should decide to pursue
me. A bicycle may cover - mile more
It elude the enormous first bounds OF the
tiger? I did not think so; and. after the
paralysis Of the first few seconds, l g, "a
trembling, with my heart pounding ike
Ny secret hope was that the beast. satis-
fed with his victims Of the night before,
had come to the lake simply to Stake his
thirst. But, though the tiger moistened
his tongue in the water, he DID not seem
driven to the water by, necessity; for he
soon lifted his head, and looked around.
| An intuition told me that he was seeking
Compensation for fruitless hunt the night
before. A false movement, and l should
be that compensation.
AT the noise Of a bird among the foliage
he turned quickly. a phosphoresoent gleam
shone In his eyes; but he saw nothing. he
seemed to hesitate between two directions,
then he turned again toward the lake and
took a step on the bank.
This step did not bring him nearer to me
but with second and more rapid movement
of the animal my terror decided me. In
two leaps had reached my bicycle.
When jumped into the SADDLE Ca t sa%
the spring At that instant l gave the
first impulse to the pedal.
1t seemed to me that had become all
instinct. and that every one 81 my noret
more in immediate danger than the oleeree
reasoning With a, great effort attained
my maximum speed; and In the short IN
terval between the first and second bounds
the gsT a.p Teaay 0r ON ,ne
start, however insignificant, for abou
a hundred yards, after. which the speed
Of the beast would probably decrease some
what, though still remaining fearful. -.
worked the pedals in a frenzy. but at tht
fourth leap the distance was reduced; q
: the fifth the beast had only to stretch GU
his paw to reach me, and at the seventh
touched the tire OF the rear wheel.
/ thought that was lost and that the effor
/ made was in vain. But the claw missee
its aim, scarcely scratching the tire; and
as the machine kept up its speed, the tge
, was less near at the eighth bound. becaus'
he had counted the race won.
In these awful moments | had The inspira
ton to deviate from my path toward
, guava tree which grew at the side OF tn
road: and again I escaped, because my
. pursuer was forced to make detour. But
though my speed was at it's highest point