CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
SOMETHING SHARP.
The Malay had ascended, as already said, to within ten or twelve feet from the lower limbs of the tree, and was still engaged driving in his pegs and binding on the upright bamboo to continue his ascent, when all at once he was seen to start and abruptly suspend operations.

At the same time an exclamation escaped his lips, in a low tone, but seemingly in accents of alarm.
They all looked up apprehensively, and also started away from the tree; for they expected to see him come tumbling down in their midst.

But no; he was still standing firm upon the last made round of the ladder, and in an erect attitude, as if he had no fear of falling.

With one hand he held the axe, the other gently grasping the upright bamboo that served him for a support.

Instead of looking down to them, to call out or claim their assistance, they saw that his eyes were turned upward and fixed, as if on some object directly over his head.