Page:Tales of the Punjab.pdf/107

Rh 'I knew it!' he would say to himself when he was dressed out in full ﬁg, with shining armour and waving plumes, and spears, swords, and shields; 'I felt I had it in me!'

Now after some time a terribly savage tiger came ravaging the country, and at last the city-folk petitioned that the mighty Prince Victor might be sent out to destroy it. So out he went at the head of his army,for he was a great man now, and had quite forgotten all about looms and shuttles.But ﬁrst he made the King promise his daughter in marriage as a reward.'Nothing for nothing!' said the astute little weaver to himself, and when the promise was given he went out as gay as a lark.

'Do not distress yourselves, good people,' he said to those who ﬂocked round him praying for his successful return; ‘it is ridiculous to suppose the tiger will have a chance.Why, I knocked over an elephant with my little ﬁnger!I am really invincible!

But, alas for our Valiant Vicky! No sooner did he see the tiger lashing its tail and charging down on him, than he ran for the nearest tree, and scrambled into the branches.There he sat like a monkey, while the tiger glowered at him from below.Of course when the army saw their Commander-in-Chief bolt like a mouse, they followed his example, and never stopped until they reached the city, where they spread the news that the little hero had fled up a tree.

'There let him stay!' said the King, secretly relieved, for he was jealous of the little weaver's prowess, and did not want him for a son-in-law.