Buckden rushed to his rescue with clubbed rifle.
But the tiger knocked the rifle from his hands and tumbled him over in a heap.
That moment would have been Tony’s last but for Frank, who rushed forward and thrust the muzzle of his rifle close against the hide of the beast.
The bullet penetrated the tiger’s heart and he fell dead over Buckden’s prostrate form.
It was a narrow escape for all, for the tiger might have killed one of them. Haste was made to relieve Barney from his irksome position.
The exploration was continued, but no other such serious adventure befell our friends.
A few days later they were able to leave the morass behind them.
Nothing worthy of note occurred during the remainder of the trip.
Campeachy was safely reached and there the party received an ovation.
Tony’s many friends were overjoyed to see him back alive.