WOMAN AND A TIGER

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1929, Page 12

WOMAN AND A TIGER

STROLL THROUGH TOWN. The popular legend of the Young Lady of Riga may in future be compared with the true story of the Middle-aged Lady of Nuremberg. The latter did not, indeed, ride on the tiger, but walked in front of it; this, however, on occasion, can be quite as dangerous an indulgence, writes the Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. The factor of insouciance she shared with the damsel of the fable. But in her case ignorance alone was bliss; and when the shouts and gestures of pedestrians at a respectful -distance on the other side of the street caused her to look round she uttered a loud shriek and fell to the ground in a state of collapse.

The tiger, one of ten belonging to a troupe of “Indians,” who are giving performances at a travelling circus, seemed to be just as much upset as the lady by this unexpected development. It had taken its escape with the utmost nonchalance, and was comfortably strolling down one of the thoroughfares of the town, observing with contemptuous amusement the panic caused by its approach.

But the terrified shriek of the woman and the suddenness of her fall seemed to arouse in it a sense of danger; and, with a mighty bound, it sprang through the window of a public house. The only occupant of the establishment at the moment was the publican’s wife. She lost no time in escaping through the back door, leaving the intruder in sole possession.

Apparently the animal was quite satisfied with its new quarters. It stretched itself out on the floor, and in dignified detachment observed the commotion which its presence caused in the street outside. Soon, however, its composure was disturbed by the appearance on the scene of the Indians, armed with pikes and hayforks. Though a resentful growl sent the attacking party flying helter-skelter, greatly to the edification of the spectators, it thought that, on the whole, it was time to move on. Slinking out into the open, it tried tg, jump over a high palisade. But here, alas! contrast with the Riga legend was consummated. The leap was badly judged, and the monarch of the jungle, landing on the spikes at the top of the fence, injured himself so badly that he very shortly died.