Testing Jack's Courage.

Otago Witness, Issue 2302, 14 April 1898, Page 52

Testing Jack's Courage.

Some years ago an Indian rajah offered a j large reward for the skin of a man-eating j tiger which was devastating his domain. j A sailor serving on board an English man- ! of- war heard of the rajah's offer, begged leave and borrowed a rifle, with which he _ went oa the war trail. Jack was fortunate in being ai,ie to meet the tiger, which he shot. j Taking out his clasp knife, he skinned the animal, and set out with the skin on his [ May to the rajah's residence. | Half-way on his journey, overcome by the effect of heat, he lay down under a tree and went to sleep. A native soon after came along and, spying the skin, stole it, and went to the rajah to claim the expected roward. Tho Prince was very dubious about the Hindoo's having slain the beast, and said: " My*man, just you twirl the end of my moustache."

The native did so, but no sooner had his fingers touched the Tajah's moustache than the latter gave a " Yah ! " and snapped his jaws. The Hindoo drew back in great alarm, and the rajah said : 11 You are not thg man \jho h,ajj slain this

beast. You are afraid of a man, let atone 3 tiger." Soon after Jack, . having missed his skin, made his way into the rajah's presence, and told the latter he had killed the tiger, but had been robbed of the skin. The raja 1 ! was inclined to believe Jack, but gave him thg same test as that given to the Hindoo. Of course Jack obliged the rajah b-' twisting the latter's ri&'ustache, the Prince giving a bigger "Yahl" and a more decided snap. " You'd bite, you beggar, would you?" said Jack, as he brought his heavy fist dowii upon the rajah's jaw. Needless to say, Jack obtained the reward.