Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

The Journal du Havre recounts a terrible encounter between the lion-tamer, Bidel, and a number of wild beasts. Bidel’s custom was to go into the cage of these ferocious animals accompanied by a sheep, which was by his presence kept safe from attack. On a recent occasion he proceeded to the lion’s cage, and his first action was to place the sheep on the back of a lioness, as he had frequently done before. No sooner had he accomplished this than a powerful lion sprang upon the poor sheep and buried his teeth deep into a vital part of its body. There were a large number of spectators present, and the sudden act of the lion created an instant and general panic. Bidel stepped forward, and with the upmost coolness struck the lion a blow on the mouth with a heavy stick, which made him crouch and yell with pain, and throw his bleeding victim trembling at the feet of the courageous performer. In another moment, however, all the wild beasts were lashed into fury by the sight of the blood, and no one in the assembly believed that Bidel could possibly escape. Preserving his presence of mind, however, he kept the other animals at bay until he had subdued the lion and chased him back to his cage. He then fought his way back through the other animals, and, amidst the bravos of the assembly, came out triumphant, carrying his wounded sheep with him. The poor animal, which was a great favorite of the lion-tamer’s, has since died of its wounds.