Presently I became aware of a singular hissing sound close at my ears, and discovered it to proceed from Tiger, who was panting and wheezing in a state of the greatest apparent excitement, his eyeballs flashing fiercely through the gloom.

I spoke to him, when he replied with a low growl, and then remained quiet.

Presently I relapsed into my stupor, from which I was again awakened in a similar manner.
This was repeated three or four times, until finally his behaviour inspired me with so great a degree of fear, that I became fully aroused.
He was now lying close by the door of the box, snarling fearfully, although in a kind of undertone, and grinding his teeth as if strongly convulsed.

I had no doubt whatever that the want of water or the confined atmosphere of the hold had driven him mad, and I was at a loss what course to pursue.

I could not endure the thought of killing him, yet it seemed absolutely necessary for my own safety.