On one occasion an enterpris-
ing bunniah (Indian trader) was riding along on his
donkey late one night, when suddenly a lion sprang
out on him, knocking over both man and beast.
The donkey was badly wounded, and the lion was
just about to seize the trader, when in some way. or
other his claws became entangled in a rope by which
two empty oil tins were strung across the donkey's
neck. The rattle and clatter made by these as he
dragged them after him gave him such a fright that
he turned tail and bolted off into the jungle, to the
intense relief of the terrified bunniah, who quickly
made his way up the nearest tree and remained there,
shivering with fear, for the rest of the night.

Chapter 2