The tiger had sustained a shock at seeing the unknown monster he was tackling roll over, and for a time satisfied himself by growling savagely.  But as the monster lay still “Stripes” tried the experiment of a sharp blow with his paw.  The palki rested on uneven ground and the blow made it rock.  The tiger waited awhile; and when the rocking had subsided administered another stroke.  The palki rocked again.  The situation now developed into a game between the huge cat and the palki.  When he slapped the palki rocked; and when the palki ceased vibrating the tiger slapped again.  Inside the palki, the Inspector held on to the handles of the door and prayed for deliverance.

At last the tiger, wearied of the game and purring loudly, walked away.  Bose breathed more freely but knew not if the danger was past.  There he lay gripping the handles of the door and wishing for daylight.  At last the dawn broke and with the first rays of light courage returned to the bearers and servants, who were hiding in the branches of the surrounding trees.  They called to each other, expressing anxiety as to their master’s fate.  Finally, as the daylight grew stronger they encouraged each other to descend and approach the palki.

As they examined it with wonder some very cutting remarks from within assured them of their master’s existence, and with many apologies for the abrupt way in which they had abandoned him they righted the palki and assisted him out.

The journey was soon resumed and Bose had the satisfaction of arresting the murderer in spite of his ill-timed adventure and forced delay.

An Assam Adventure

Some years ago, an English baron came out to India to enjoy some tiger shooting.  He received invitations to many Native States, and was having a right royal time.  In the course of his wanderings he came to Assam.  In those days, the jungles of Assam swarmed with tigers but a “man-eater” was very rarely known there.

Sir M. was in a small camp with just two or three other guns, and all were hopeful of “bagging” a tiger, for the roaring of the lords of the jungle could be heard almost every night.  The tents had been pitched on the bank of a river and all round the camp and on the opposite bank was heavy jungle.  Wild animals abounded in these jungles and the camp servants did not appreciate the site.  No sooner had the Sahebs finished their dinner than the servants disappeared into their tents, and securing themselves within, as strongly as they could, devoutly hoped that the morning light would find them still alive and unharmed.