A LION LOOSE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 47, 22 November 1890, Page 19

A LION LOOSE.

One night, when old Dan Rice was exhibiting his circus, it came on to rain about the time the performance was over, and hundreds of the people stuck to the tent for shelter. Dan didn't want to lie mean, but the canvas must come down, and so he sent three of the men through the crowd tn whisper : • Don't get excited and make a rush, but I must inform yon that the Numidian lion has escaped from his cage. Please go out quietly.’ The people went fast enough—all but a few unbelievers. T iere Was a farmer and his wife and five children, and he got them in a circle in the ting and placed four or five piekies, three or four hard-boiled eggs, and a paper of salt in his straw hat in the centre. One of the men came up and inquired : • What are you doing here, old man ?’ ‘ Waitin',’ was the reply. • Didn't you know the lion was loose ?' ‘ Yaas, I heap! 'em say so. Is it true!' ‘ < >f course it is.’ • Regular lion 1’ • Yess' ‘ Regtilar Numidian lion • Yes. ‘ Healthy and fat 1' ‘ Yes.' ‘ Well, that's what we’re waiting for. We re going to eat that animal up before we leave, anil I wish you'd hurry him up