He listened with all the acuteness of which he was master, and his keen ears did not deceive him.
Suddenly he flung both shutters wide open, and let in the flood of sunshine, which rendered useless the lamp on the table.
There was the tiger, no more than a dozen feet distant.

The slight noise caused him to stop abruptly and turn his head while walking away.
The sight of the lad seemed to whet his fury.

He lashed his tail, growled, and, swinging himself lightly round, cautiously approached the daring youngster, as if not quite satisfied with the look of things.
Jim leaned farther through the window, and swung his torch round and round, extending it at the same time toward the beast, which paused a few steps off, as if to gather himself for the spring.
The lad felt the need of vigor.

He whirled the torch harder, and reached farther, shouting,-- "Get out, or I'll burn your head off! Come any nearer if you dare!"-- At this moment Jim, in his enthusiasm, leaned a trifle too far.

His feet slipped over the floor, and he sprawled headfirst out of the window..