74 The Tiger on the Hudson.

the creature would be upon him. How could he
defend himself ?

The poker! Springing to his feet and seizing
the big iron poker, Harry advanced upon the
Tiger.

Meantime, the shovel and tongs, which stood
with the poker, followed the law of all fire-
irons and fell witha crash onthe hearth! Roused
by this noise, Harry became suddenly conscious
that he was standing quite alone in the room,
fiercely brandishing the poker at—wothing ! Rub-
bing his eyes he looked about him at the quiet
room, at the fire which had now burned low, and
lastly, and rather timidly, he looked at the tiger-
skin rug lying flatly and innocently upon the floor.
Just then the door opened, and he heard his
uncle’s cheery voice.

“Well boysie, are you ready for the grewsome
tiger-tale ?”

“Why Uncle,” said Harry, “I have just heard
ite

“Heard it?” said Uncle Ned, in astonishment.
“From whom ?”