He had seen it in other islands; for it grows not only in Java, with which its name is more familiarly identified, but in Bali, Celebes, and Borneo.

He had seen it elsewhere, and heard it called by different names, according to the different localities, as _tayim, hippo, upo, antijar_, and _upas_; all signifying the same thing--the "tree of poison." Had he been more careful about the selection of their camping-place, and looked upon its smooth reddish or tan-coloured bark and closely-set leaves of glossy green, he would have recognised and shunned it.

He did not do so; for who at such a time could have been thinking of such a catastrophe?
Under a tree whose shade seemed so inviting, who would have suspected that danger was lurking, much less that death dwelt among its leaves and branches?
The first had actually arisen, and the last had been very near.

But it was now far away, or at least no longer to be dreaded from the poison of the upas.

The sickness caused by it would continue for a while, and it might be some time before their strength or energies would be fully restored.