Then, as commanded by the king, the dead tiger was taken in procession through the town and buried. A tomb was erected over it.
329 Words
Then, as commanded by the king, the dead tiger was taken in procession through the town and buried. A tomb was erected over it.
A few days later the Maharaja's son's third birthday was celebrated. Until then the Maharaja had given his entire mind over to tiger hunting. He had had no time to spare for the crown prince. But now the king turned his attention to the child. He wished to give him some special gift on his birthday. He went to the shopping centre in Pratibandapuram and searched every shop, but couldn't find anything suitable. Finally he spotted a wooden tiger in a toyshop and decided it was the perfect gift.
The wooden tiger cost only two annas and a quarter. But the shopkeeper knew that if he quoted such a low price to the Maharaja, he would be punished under the rules of the Emergency. So, he said. "Your Majesty, this is an extremely rare example of craftsmanship. A bargain at three hundred rupees!"
"Very good. Let this be your offering to the crown prince on his birthday," said the king and took it away with him.
On that day father and son played with that tiny little wooden tiger. It hadbeen carved by an unskilled carpenter. Its surface was rough; tiny slivers of wood stood up like quills all over it. One of those slivers pierced the Maharaja's right hand. He pulled it out with his left hand and continued to play with the prince.
The next day. Infection flared in the Maharaja's right hand. In four days, it developed into a suppurating sore which spread all over the arm.
Three famous surgeons were brought in from Madras, After holding a consultation they decided to operate. The operation took place.
The three surgeons who performed it came out of the
theatre and announced. The operation was successful.
The Maharaja is dead."
In this manner the hundredth tiger took its final revenge upon the Tiger King.
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