Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-05

desire to be passed by unnoticed. But of
that there remained much doubt that
the perspiration came in big drops from his
forehead.
Again that ominous cough this time few
PAGES to one side of Fosters ambush. If it
would have been suicidal to move a foot, Eos
ter could not restrain impulse to turn his
head slightly and glance toward the spot
intervening bamboo canes Fosters eyes fell
upon the huge striped head and the powerful
neck and shoulders Of the great cat slowly
moving forward. How much Foster devoutly
hoped the tiger would keep on moving might
be difficult to estimate. because single leap
could easily have landed the beast on Fosters
frail perch In that situation he scarcely dared
to raise eyelid or draw his breath. His
earnest desire was to simulate the condition OF
death so we'll that the Jaws of reality might not
close upon him. The tiger paused to thrust
aside some underbrush, and Fosters heart
stopped beating. The tigers head came slowly
round in Fosters direction: but fortunately
it was not lifted.
Foster found himself looking upon the strong
hind TANKS of the tiger, the beast again crept
onward with that sinister crunchlng of the
leaves. That Stir pes had passed was some re-
lief. At the edge of the bamboo clump the tiger
crouched low and halted. with body and head
set in the direction of the terror stricken wait
ing bullock and rlstling the dead leaves with
gentle sweeping motion OF the long supple tan
If Foster had possessed million dollars, he
would gladly have reinquiShed every penny for
the tiger to end the suspense by some action:
but, like true villain, Stripes seemed to ENJOY
feaStng his eyes upon the sight of his hapless
prey. How long the tiger intended to prolong
the bullock's agony, or for what length OF time
Foster could have maintained his tense position
without movement and discovery, may be left
open questions. because the tigers final acton
was quickened by an unexpected circumstance.
FROM his slightly elevated position Foster
beheld a small procession enter the COM
pound, apparently with the intention of cross
ing and taking the jungle path In the van
marched some red turbaned servants OF the
RAM; then. came curtained litter gllded and
decorated with figures OF strange gods, the
RAMS mnnshi and scattering of attendants.
Needless of the consequences to himself,
shout of warning rose from Fosters chest: but
before it had passed his lips the yellow body of
the tiger shot from the bamboo clump with
that lightning upward course which ends by
Selling the victim by the throat. hurting it
backward, and swapping the vertebra, In Eos
ters excitement the frail platform gave way
under him and he was tumbled to the ground.
At the same moment a roar seemed to shake
the foundations of the earth; but ended in
long drawn out half snarl, half mighty groan,
which brought Foster scrambling to his feet.
As he parted the bamboo canes. wild con-
sternation had taken possession of the Rani's
attendants, and the huge bulk of the tiger was
rolling over in titanic commissions.
A cry of relief went up from Fosters lungs.
1t was clear that he had mechanically thrown
the switch in falling and shot over two thou
sand volts into the tiger the moment its teeth
fastened on the metal collar. of the bullock.
Grasping his pistol, he rushed forward to warn
back woman's slender figure, which had
sprung from the litter and was moving toward
the tiger with dagger clutched in one hand
OF the next few moments of confused excite
- ment Foster has not a very clear recol-
lection. He believes he needessly emptied his
revolver into the PROSTATE body of the tiger,
with its Jaws fastened in the bullocks throat.
When the brute's power for mischief was clearly
ended, he fastened to the bamboo clump to
switch off the current When he returned to
the scene of action. the woman was standing
over the tiger. With eyes dilated, her nostrils
were quivering from emotion.
AS her veil had fallen from her face, Foster
gained privilege seldom, almost never, falling
to the lot of an Occidental He looked upon
the features of one of the Queens of India.
From her voice behind the curtain he had pic
tured a considerable degree of beauty in its
owner; but in the delicate lines of the oval
contour, the soft complexion flushed with
element, flashing eyes, and proud lips any
ideal he may have formed was far surpassed in
the reality. Classic drapery light air and of
a subtle shade of heliotrope emphasized the
graceful symmetry of her form.
But above and beyond all other feelings that
swept in upon Foster was an impression of the
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