"Yes, I've had a narrow escape of my life."
"But where did he come from?" asked Mrs. Dunlap.
"Come from? Where should he come from except from the circus? He broke loose and now he's prowling round, seeking whom he may devour.
"O heavens," exclaimed Mrs. Dunlap, terror-stricken, "and my innocent children are out picking berries in the pasture."
"Tigers are fond of children," said Tarbox, whose hard nature found pleasure in the dismay of the unhappy mother.
"I must go right home and send for the children," said the mother, in an agony of apprehension.
"You may never live to get home," said Tarbox.
"Oh what shall I do?" said Mrs. Dunlap, wringing her hands. "Won't you go home with me, Mr. Tarbox? I can't stay here with my poor children in peril."
"No, I thank you. My life is worth something."