EXTRAORDINARY ACT OF HEROISM.

Waikato Times, Volume XI, Issue 886, 26 February 1878, Page 2

EXTRAORDINARY ACT OF HEROISM.

A writer m the San Francisco ' Post ' relates the following instance of heroism : Perhaps the most magnificent act of heroism ever performed m this vicinity was wi'nessed dv in,' the performance of Enrepangh's Circus 1 , at Nano, on Saturday lust. The liou ramer was giving an exhibition of his control over the f* ociom brutes under his charge, when suddenly he was observed to turn pale and tremble.

The largest lion or the six m the »ge had displayed unusual aulleness and anger, and now refused m> obey i w mHßfcep> Witfa goring eye* it crouched m the corner, and evidently meditated ft -pnng. The trainer recovered hw «lf-puuquioa m a moment, and keepmg his eye firmly fixed upon chat Q t the huge beast, deat him a ..eavy blow with h IB raw hide over th.iace. With a fierce snarl the mfunated i ioil hounded forwardi patching one of its jaws m either hand, tho powerful man held the bruie off for a desperate moment by mai.i strength. An electric thrill ot horror rau through the cage which surrounded the crowd m an instant. The beasts m the other dens *hr.eked and roared m chormi. it is m a moment like this that the neroic eleoieut asßerta it«elf. Without turning his head m the least, the brave man j urmly whispered, « Pass me a small boy i" One was instantly sewed, .And crowded thcough the bars. With one su^er.h.utnan «ff orfcj tne trainer chrustth^jboyriuto the hot, closing jaws, and theft bounded' lightiy iside. A snarl, a? few sava*^ 3cun3hes, and the beast tp**44 agaiu.for. his jP rey. , But the hero was gone 1 The door snapped bohind him, and, gasping „" Saved !'* ne tainted m the, aims of a cheering concourse. ! £ handsome eubscrip uon'wak> raised oh the spot, and, when th# audience dispersed, it waa with tears* of grateful emotion m their eyes A brave soul had been rescued from a. horrible death— mother small boy had been wiped out.