eft
foot and went down on his right knee, at the same time raising his gun
to his shoulder.

It was done in a moment--the tiger raising its head from the victim with
a savage roar; when with the mouth of the piece not eighteen inches from
the creature's head, Doctor Bolter drew the triggers, almost together.

There was a brilliant flash in the darkness, which showed him the
glistening teeth of the savage beast and its glaring eyes--a double
report--and with a furious roar the monster sprang forward, crashing
into some bushes, and then all was still.

Quick as lightning the doctor threw open the breech of his piece, and
inserted this time a couple of ball-cartridges, closed the gun, and
stood ready for the monster's attack, knowing though that it must be
sorely wounded, for he had aimed straight at its eye, and the small shot
would, at that distance, have the effect of a bullet.

A minute--two minutes, that seemed like hours, did the doctor stand
there, expecting to hear some movement on the tiger's part, either for
attack or retreat; but it did not stir, and he dared not fire again at
random.

Just then there was a low groan, and a faint movement at his feet.

The doctor's piece swung round involuntarily, but directly after, he
recalled that it must be the Malay, and with dry throat and lips he
spoke to him.

"Are you much hurt?"

There was a few moments' pause, and then the Malay spoke.

"My shoulder is gnawed; I can't use my arm."

"Can you crawl behind me?" said the doctor, hoarsely.

For reply the Malay rose to his feet, and staggering slightly, he made
his way behind where the doctor stood.

"I dare not move," said Doctor Bolter. "The beast may spring upon us
again."

"No," said the Malay, whose voice sounded stronger; "he is dead. Have
you a light?"

The doctor held his gun with one hand and pulled out his match-box with
the other, when, in spite of his wounds, the Malay knelt down, drew a
piece of dammar from the fold of his sarong, stuck it in a cleft stick,
and then striking a match he fired the dry grass and lit the dammar,
which made an excellent torch.

With this advanced he took a couple of strides forward, and holding the
light down, there lay the tiger on its side, the white under fur showing
plainly, the doctor seeing that the creature's neck and legs were
stretched out, and that it was indeed dead.

"Thank heaven!" he muttered, fervently: and standing his gun against a
tree he se