The wedge-shaped head poised on the strong neck and thick rampart of muscular shoulder was bent low, and the whole attitude of the body betokened full alertness and angry resoluteness.

In their circlings the two brutes were now nearer to each other and nearer to us, and thus we could mark every movement with greater precision.

The tiger was now growling and showing his teeth; and all this, that takes such a time to tell, was but the work of a few short minutes.

Crouching now still lower, till he seemed almost flat on the ground, and gathering his sinewy limbs beneath his lithe, lean body, he suddenly startled the stillness with a loud roar, and quick as lightning sprang upon the boar.

For a brief minute the struggle was thrilling in its intense excitement.