SPEAR AND SADDLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 107, 28 June 1911, Page 3

SPEAR AND SADDLE.

Only the experienced . pig-sticker, knows nil the wiles of Ids quarry. His practised hand and keen eye arc ready for any emergency. The pig dashes away as if to continue his flight. The rider knows that tins is merely a pretence, and that a fresh attack may bo instantly expected. He is on the alert; and as the pig, with a fierce grunt, makes a furious rush upon him, he gets his spear in again, deep this time, just behind the shoulder. The pig foams at the mouth in his pain and rage; his bristles stand erect; his grunt heqqmesf a deep growl, he is doubtful., what to do, whether ouco more to attack his tormentor or to fly for. his life. He decides to fight,'. Jrig , is' frenzied with rage. If be . cannot maim, the man he may yet maim the horse. A rapid turn,, and he is underneath the gallant Aral). A, .fraction; of a moment more and lie, would have inflicted a mortal wound. But the rider merely plays with him. ’ The man and horse are on one side, of him unharmed ; the boar has felt, auothqrb tlpmst. of the spear. His only .chance is in Plight; and, weak apd. wounded ,as..he is, it is with wonderful sp,ecfl.th:it ho makes away. “Poof ,'dpvil,.”,, say si the man. “I’ll give him a chance!” and ho sits still in tiro saddle for a full minute while the, boar seeks shelter. But the country is’open ; there is no hiding place to ho seen. ’l'iio minute has passed. Enough for fair play. The man shakes the bridle, and the impatient horse'is off like an arrow out of the bow. The boar hours the approach'. If he lias to die, ho will die fighting. He faces Ids foe. One forlorn hone, one tremendous charge at the place where the horse was to bo but was hot, and the spear has gone deep into the hoar’s side—--so deep, because of flic horse’s gallop, that the man ’could not withdraw it. _ A native happens to be’passing 1 by with an axe in Ids hand. “EnHsli him off,” says' the rider. J, “and h'eVe is a >-upre for you.” Balarain has a longstanding grudge the' bOar. an unwelcome guest in his sugar ’ plantation ; and he in en surdff hi ft grudge.! u the sharpness of lu’s blows.—“Pigsticking in India;.’’- by cEdmiind Cox iu the “Cornhill Magazine.”