66 TRE SOYAL TIGER OF BENGAL. 



likewise swept away, but seizing the branch, hung 

 suspended as the elephant passed from under them. 

 The native being light and active swung himself 

 on to the branch and was safe. Major A. not 

 having so secure a hold, and probably not being 

 so agile, was unable to do so, and after hanging 

 suspended for a few moments, vainly attempting 

 to get on to the branch, at length dropped to the 

 ground, and, as ill luck would have it, fell on to 

 the wounded tiger's back, which was lying under 

 the tree. Being wounded in the spine the tiger 

 was unable to move his hind-quarters, and could not 

 rise, but retaining all his vigour in the fore part of 

 the body and limbs, struck at and drew Major A. 

 within his grip, and, infuriated with rage, wreaked 

 his fury on the unfortunate gentleman ; seizing 

 him first by one leg he severely lacerated it, then 

 leaving that, he seized the other, and bit it more 

 severely. Major A. was utterly unable to get away 

 from the infuriated animal, and spent some dread- 

 ful moments in this awful position. His companion', 

 whose elephant had also taken fright, shortly after 

 reappeared on the scene, and gave the wounded tiger 

 the coup de grace. Major A., frightfully wounded 

 and exhausted by loss of blood, was then carried 

 some distance into the nearest station, where it was 

 found necessary to amputate one leg. Notwith- 

 standing his serious injuries and the capital opera- 

 tion, he recovered, and has lived to return to 

 England. 



