WIPING OUT A SMALL BOY.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 197, 19 April 1878, Page 3

WIPING OUT A SMALL BOY.

Perhaps the most magnifient act of heroism ever performed in this vicinity was witnessed during 1 the performance of Forepaugh's circus at Reno. The lion-tamer was giving an exhibition of his control over the ferocious brutes under his charge, when suddenly he was observed to turn pale and tremble. The largest lion of the six in the cage had displayed unusual sullenness and anger, and now refused to obey its master. With glaring eyes it crouched in a corner, and evidently meditated a spring. The trainer recovered his selfpossession in a moment, and keepinghis eye firmly "fixed upon that of the huge beast, dealt it a terriffic blow with his raw hide over the. face. With a fierce snarl the infuriated lion bounded forward. Catching one of : its open jaws in either hand, the powerful man held the brute off for a desperate moment by main strength. An electric thrill of horror ran through tie crowd, which surrounded the cage in an instant. The beasts in the other dens shrieked and roared in .chorus.- It is in a moment like this that the real heroic element asserts itself. Without turning his head, the brave man firmly whispered " Pass me a small boy !" One was instantly seized and crowded through the bars. With one superhuman, effort the trainer thrust the boy into the hot, closing jaws, arid then bounded lightly aside. A snarl, a few savage crunches, and the beast turned again: for his prey. Butfthe !; hero was gone ! iT.he door .. snape^ibejiind him , and gasping '• Saved I" fie fainted in | the arms of the cheering concourse.- A handsome subscription was raised on the 'spot, arid when the ; audience dis-'---perraa^tV wa^ with tears; pt emotion in

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their eyes. A brave soul had been rescued -from a horrible death—another small i boy had been wiped out. — San Francisco Post.