Sporting Notes in the Far East. 83 



standing ; and while deliberating what to do " bang " " crash " 

 " growl " a huge brute was within ten yards of me. 



This was really too much for my already highly strung nerves. 

 I believe under some conditions most men are cowards ; anyhow 

 in this particular instance, I certainly proved myself an arrant 

 dastard. For knowing my friend was well out of harm's way I 

 never hesitated one moment, but turned and fled ; running as I 

 had never run before. 



After pursuing my headlong career, till I thought I had placed a 

 respectable distance, between myself and Master Stripes. I 

 collected my scattered faculties, and holloaed to my companion. 

 But he was already not far off, as having heard the disturbance, 

 he had imagined that the tiger had me treed, and was pluckily 

 coming to my rescue. Luckily for him, it was very much other- 

 wise ; and we both cleared out as soon as possible. 



I happened that same night, to be at a large " social gathering," 

 on board one of the ships of the squadron ; where I related my 

 experiences of the day. But far better for me if I had held my 

 tongue. 



During the evening I was most deeply impressed, and also 

 grieved ; at the amount of timidity that I must have shown, when 

 confronted with the tiger ; as so many men came to me deploring 

 that they had not had my opportunities, of bagging a tiger single 

 handed with a " scatter gun." 



