THE COORG AND TIGER. 
147 
but its resolute foe was not to be evaded. Fixing 
his eyes intently upon the deadly creature, he ad- 
vanced with the same measured step, the tiger re- 
treating as before, but still presenting its front to its 
enemy* The Coorg now stopped suddenly ; then mov- 
ing slowly backward, the tiger raised itself to its full 
height, curved its back to the necessary segment for a 
spring, and lashed its tail, evidently meditating mis- 
chief. The man continued to retire ; and as soon as he 
was at so great a distance that the fixed expression of 
his eye was no longer distinguishable, the ferocious brute 
made a sudden bound forward, crouched, and sprang 
with a short, sharp growl. Its adversary, fully pre- 
pared for this, leaped actively on one side, and as the 
tiger reached the ground, swung round his heavy knife, 
and brought it with irresistible force upon the 
animal’s hind-leg just above the joint. The bone was 
instantly severed, and the tiger effectually prevented 
from making a second spring. The wounded beast 
roared ; but turning suddenly on the Coorg, who had 
by this time retired several yards, advanced fiercely 
upon him, its wounded leg hanging loose in the 
skin, showing that it was broken. The tiger, now 
excited to a pitch of reckless rage, rushed forward 
upon its three legs towards its adversary, who stood 
with his heavy knife upraised, calmly awaiting the 
encounter. As soon as the savage creature was within 
his reach, he brought down the ponderous weapon upon 
its head with a force which nothing could resist, laid 
open the skull from ear to ear, and the vanquished 
foe fell dead at his feet. He then coolly wiped 
the knife on the animal’s hide, made a dignified sa- 
