The Tiger Rising

Rob runs after Sistine and announces that he is going to let the tiger go. Beauchamp arrives unexpectedly and tells Rob that he left more meat for the tiger with Ida Belle. Beauchamp teases Rob about chasing girls and asks Sistine’s name. Rob worries that Sistine might say to him, but she tells Beauchamp her name is “Sissy” (104). Beauchamp approves. He makes sure that Rob is keeping his half of their secret deal, and then drives off. Sistine observes that Beauchamp gave Rob the job of feeding the tiger because Beauchamp fears the big cat. Rob knows this is true. He apologizes to Sistine for what he said about her father. Sistine admits that she knows her father is not coming but doesn’t care. They go to set the tiger free.

Rob has no trouble opening the three locks on the tiger’s cage. He worries that the tiger may eat them, but Sistine isn’t afraid. Rob opens the door to the tiger’s cage, but the tiger does not come out and continues to pace. Sistine grabs the cage and shakes it, screaming at the tiger to leave.