A Tiger in the House

Timothy was a tiger cub, discovered by Grandfather in the Terai jungle near Dehra during a hunting expedition, hiding among the roots of a banyan tree.

Because he knew the Siwalik forests well and could advise on the land. The camp was splendid — seven large tents, a dining tent, servants' tents, fine food (hot-water plates, finger-glasses, 7-8 courses) and fifteen elephants.

Yes, he was bold — he picked up a wild tiger cub barehanded. His special quality was his deep knowledge of the forest; he was the only member to 'bag' any game (alive).

Grandmother named it Timothy; the cook Mahmoud brought it up. Diet: milk, then raw mutton and cod liver oil, later pigeons and rabbits.

Companions: Toto the monkey and a mongrel puppy. His favourite amusement was stalking anyone who played with him. The narrator became a favourite by playing with him.

At six months Timothy grew less friendly and dangerous — stalking cats/pets, killing poultry and threatening Mahmoud. So Grandfather sent him to Lucknow zoo (200 miles away) in a reserved first-class compartment.

Grandfather visits the zoo, pets a tiger he believes is Timothy — it licks his hand. But a keeper reveals that the real Timothy died of pneumonia two months ago, and this is a wild, dangerous tiger trapped last month. Shocked, Grandfather quietly withdraws his hand, says 'Goodnight Timothy', and leaves.

It shows Grandfather's fearless love for animals and his close bond with them — and provides a humorous, suspenseful ending when his fearlessness nearly costs him dearly.

First on milk from a feeding bottle, then raw mutton and cod liver oil, later pigeons and rabbits.

By playing with him; Timothy loved to stalk and pretend-bite the narrator's ankles.

Because at six months he became dangerous — killing poultry and threatening the cook.

That the real Timothy had died of pneumonia; the tiger was a wild one trapped last month.

Strangely, it allowed him to stroke it and licked his hands — making the situation both funny and dangerous.

Grandfather was bold, kind and deeply fond of animals. He fearlessly picked up a wild tiger cub, raised it lovingly, and even fearlessly stroked a wild tiger at the zoo, believing it to be Timothy. His courage, affection for animals and calm nature make him a memorable character.

The story builds up Grandfather's fond bond with Timothy, then delivers a shocking twist — the tiger he petted was a wild, dangerous one, not Timothy. The mix of danger and Grandfather's calm 'Goodnight, Timothy' creates both suspense and humour.

Found as a cub in the Terai jungle, Timothy was named and raised at home with Toto and a puppy, grew tame and cat-like, then turned dangerous at six months, was sent to Lucknow zoo, and finally died of pneumonia.

ଦୁଷ୍ଟ, ଖଳ।

pneumonia.