It was nothing more nor less than a cunning cage in which a tiger was huddled, in a vile temper.

The palanquin bearers, friends of the dancing girl, had overpowered the royal bearers and donned their costumes.

At this moment one of the bearers (Umballa himself, trusting no one!) crawled stealthily under the palanquin and touched the spring which liberated the tiger and opened the blind.

The furious beast sprang to the window.

The king was too astonished to move, to appreciate his danger.
From yon harmless palanquin this striped fury! The tiger in his leap struck the lacquered desk, broke it and scattered the papers about the floor.
Ramabai and his officers were just entering the corridor which led to the chamber when the tragedy occurred.