WHEN BILL ADAMS WENT TO INDIA.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 22, 8 January 1907, Page 6

WHEN BILL ADAMS WENT TO INDIA.

4* A portion of the crew of a ship which was anchored off tlx* coast of India once went ashore for the purpose of cutting wood, and one of th» sailors having through some cause become separated from his companions, was considerably frightened by the appearance of a huge lioness which he saw approaching him Mwch to his surprise, however, she did not, on earning up, appear to have any evil designs on him ; but instead crouched at his feet and looked steadfastly first at his face and then at a tree some little distance awa.v. For a time the man could not understand this conduct, but presently on the lioness rising and walking towards the tree, looking back at him as she went, he found out what it meant. Up in the branches of the tree was a large barboon, with two little lion cubs in its arms, and it was because of this that the lioness was in such tribulation. The difficulty now presented itself of how to save the cubs, for the sailor was afraid to climb the tree. So, hu«R« ing his axe with him, he resolved to cut the tree down, and this he did, the lioness watching him most anxiously during the whole lime. When the tree fell, and the three animals with it, the lioness, it is said, dashed with fury upon the barboon and destroyed it. Then, having gently caressed her affrighted cubs for some time, she returned to the sailor, showing her gratitude by fawning upon hi hi and rubbing her head fondly against him, and at length carried her children away, one by one.