The following story which, was faithfully reported to "The Graphic" magazine by his proud father, is about John Thomas Jarbo. On his retirement from the Indian Civil Service in 1907 John migrated to Sydney Australia with his family where two of his grand daughters still live with their families.
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The Graphic 30th October 1880
A CRITICAL INCIDENT - ENCOUNTER WITH A TIGER.
This exciting incident took place some time ago at Naraingunge. On receiving the news that a tiger had chased a man who had gone out to get the skin of a dead cow, two gentlemen, Mr. Jarbo and Mr. Nicholas, set out in pursuit of the beast, each armed with a double-barreled breechloader (smoothbore), and a Snider.
Having secured the services of a number of beaters the patch of grass land where the tiger had been seen was thoroughly searched, the tank in the middle of the jungle excepted, where the dog, would not go. Soon, one of the lookers-on gave notice that the tiger was on the South-east corner of the tank. A few moments later, Mr. Jarbo heard the unmistakable cough (generally called a roar) of a tiger, and facing round saw the animal, its white chest shining like silver, its ears laid back, and its open mouth full of glistening ivory teeth.
When about thirty yards off, he fired his first barrel. On receiving the shot the tiger doubled its head and paws into its chest, turned completely over head and heels, and disappeared over the bank of the tank. While waiting for some men to clear a passage through the jungle which was very, very thick, Mr. Nicholas who was becoming impatient ventured forward with more valour than prudence, and fired at the unseen foe. Immediately the tiger leapt forth, and with a tremendous bound buried its head in Mr. Nicholas’s throat, both their heads going down together. It was a critical moment, Mr. Jarbo was ten yards off, but at once came to his friend’s assistance, calmly and determinedly. As there was considerable risk of shooting both man and beast, he advanced within two yards, and then aiming at the side of the head sent the bullet from ear to ear.
The shot was mortal, and the beast rolled from off Mr. Nicholas, who scrambled up, very white with his left arm besmeared with blood. His first words were, "Well done, Jarbo! where are my keys?" while Mr. Jarbo was overcome by the happy results of his exertion that he fairly threw his arms round his friend’s neck, and clasped him in a loving embrace. Mr. Nicholas’s wounds were not serious, and he shortly recovered. The huge brute was a tigress eight feet eight inches long, including the tail, which was three feet in length. The foregoing details are furnished to us by the father of the hero of this adventure, the Rev Dr Jarbo, Chaplain H.M. Royal Ecclesiastical Establishment, of 50 Ambler Road, Finsbury Park. N.
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