Bennie and the Tiger

Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
DEAN’s
Illustrated Farthing Books.
LONDON: DEAN & SON.
11, Ludgate Hill. 14
A fair little English boy lay sleeping in the shady verandah of his Indian home. The servant who was left with him was unfaithful to her trust, and, while he slept, wandered away in search of pleasure. A treacherous tiger, prowling in search of a pig or a lamb for his supper, finding the village very quiet, ventured in among the dwellings. The English gentlemen were all absent, and most of the natives were at work in the rice swamp or the paddy field; while the white ladies, exhausted with heat, were taking their rest, little dreaming how careless were their nurses.
The treacherous tiger crept noiselessly past the deserted homes, until he espied the sweet little sleeper. Then, with one bound, he sprang upon him, grasped the flowing white robe in his teeth, and darted off to his native jungle. Having secured the prize, he laid him down; and as a kitten plays with the captive mouse, began sporting with him. He walked round and round, layed first one paw and then the other on the little plump feet, and looked into his beautiful face as if his ferocious heart was almost melted by its sweetness.
There was a brave heart in little Bennie, for he seemed not at all alarmed by his strange companion. He was well used to Negro, the large black house dog; the ponies were his chief favourites; and he felt inclined to look on the tiger, perhaps, as an addition to his circle of dumb friends. Or, if the glance of these fiery eyeballs, and the display of these dreadful teeth, made his heart beat for a moment, he only returned the gaze, saying in baby language: “I’m not afraid of you, for I’ve got a father! You can’t touch Bennie—Bennie’s got a mamma!” Oh, how strong this trust in earthly love made that frail boy! Why will not those who know that God is over all, confide in him in times of danger, and be at rest!