this wild arenga wood--furnishing the bear with as much "cabbage" as he
might require--was just the place for him; and Alexis now understood the
reason why the Dyak had conducted them thither.

As the naturalist knew that this kind of bear was more rare than the
other species--that is, in Borneo--he now more than ever felt chagrin at
not having his gun with him. To attempt attacking the animal with his
knife would have been absurd, as well as dangerous--for the Malayan bear
can maintain a better fight than his Bornean brother.

But, indeed, even had Alexis desired it, there would have been no chance
to reach the animal with his knife--unless the hunter should himself
climb up the palm; and that was more than he either dared or could.

Of course the bear had long ere this perceived his enemy at the foot of
the tree; and, uttering a series of low querulous cries, had desisted
from his cabbage eating, and placed himself in an attitude of defence.
It was evident from the position he had assumed, that he had no design
of coming down, so long as the hunter remained at the bottom of the
tree; nor did the latter desire him to do so. On the contrary, he
struck the tree with a stick, and made several other demonstrations,
with the design to hinder the bear from attempting a descent. But the
animal did not even meditate such a thing. Though the palm was not one
of the highest, it was tall enough to keep him out of the reach of any
weapon the hunter could lay hands upon; and the bear, seemingly
conscious of this fact, kept his perch with a confident air--that showed
he had no intention of changing his secure position.

Alexis now began to reflect about what he should do. If he could make
the others hear him, that would answer every purpose. Of course they
would come up, bringing with them their guns. This was the most
promising plan; and Alexis hastened to put it into execution, by
hallooing at the top of his voice. But, after he had shouted for nearly
ten minutes, and waited for ten more, no response was given; nor did any
one make an appearance upon the ground.

Once more Alexis raised his voice, and shouted till the woods rang with
echoes. But these echoes were all the reply he could get to his calls.

It was evident he had unconsciously strayed far from the camp, and quite
out of earshot of his companions!

What was to be done? If he should go back to the others, to bring them
and also his gun, the bear would i