January 31, 2020 · 7:48 pm
Night had fallen as the mail coach pulled up in front of the Inn, the ostlers ran out to change the horses, postbags were exchanged, and mugs of ale were passed to the driver and guard.
Then
The lead horse screamed, in the gloom the driver saw that something had leapt onto the horses neck. He could see blood flowing, but what was it? The terrified ostler swung his lantern round, and they could see. Now it was for the men to scream, it was impossible!
In Wiltshire, in 1816, the Exeter Mail had been attacked by a Lion!
This completely true tale, it happened on the 20th October 1816, is written in response to Charlie Mills flash fiction challenge, January 30, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a postal carrier in an extreme situation. I think a lion attack is pretty extreme.
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The Curious Archaeologist 
It is extreme! Where’d the lion come from?
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It came from a travelling circus. The lions keeper had followed it and was able to subdue it, stopping the guard shooting the animal with his blunderbus. The circus bought the horse the lion had attacked and exhibited the two animals together.
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I thought it must be an escape like that but what an ending. The horse is very forgiving!
Thanks for the info.
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I’m not sure that horse appreciated the outcome, Gordon. Imagine getting sold off to be in a circus with one’s attacker. What a story! Thank you for bringing it to life for us.
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