The scanty foliage upon the sycamore enabled them to see its trunk and most of its larger limbs, without any obstruction of leaves or branches.
Caspar had not cast his eyes more than twice in the direction of this tree, when he saw there was something peculiar about it.

Caspar was a youth of quick sight and equally quick perception.

In the main stem of the tree, and about six feet above its first forking, he perceived an object that at once fixed his attention.

It looked like a goat's horn, only that it was more like the curving tusk of a rhinoceros or a very young elephant.

It was sticking out from the tree, with the curve directed downwards.