Virginia Argus

Ferocity of the tiger by water.—About two months ago, on our coming to anchor nearly 400 yards from the shore, a dinghy, with five men in it went to pick up some fire wood. On their approaching to above five yards from the land found the tops of some ratan trees above the water; to these they fastened the dinghy and thinking themselves safe, commenced breaking off the branches; while thus employed, a tiger, well concealed, but keeping a good look out, made one spring from the shore into the dinghy and seized a young lad, (son of one of our Mangies) by the left breast and carried him on shore, he then let go that hand and taking the youth by the throat went off into the jungle with him. When the tiger sprang into the dinghy, the person seized was in the middle of the five; three of the settlers were tossed into the water, how it happened that the dinghy did not upset is difficult to understand, but it did not, although it was half filled with water. One man kept his seat and saw what has been related; he even asserts that he struck the tiger with his paddle. A great shout was raised, but all to no purpose, the business was over in an instant, and the boy gone for ever; his poor father who is still with us, and who warned the youth not to go, beheld the scene without being able to give any assistance.