n all probability seize the
opportunity to descend from the tree and take himself off. In that case
he would most certainly escape: since there would be no chance of
tracking him through such a wood. On the other hand, Alexis need not
remain where he was. He might stay there till doomsday, before Bruin
would condescend to come down; and even should he do so, what chance
would there be of effecting his capture?

While reflecting thus, a happy idea occurred to the young hunter; and he
was seen all at once to step a pace or two back, and place himself
behind the broad leaves of a wild _pisang_, where he was hidden from the
eyes of the bear.

As the morning was a little raw he had his cloak around him; and this he
instantly stripped off. He had already in his hands the stout long
stick--with which he had been hammering upon the palm--and this he now
sharpened at one end with his knife. On the other end he placed his
cap, and beneath it his cloak, folding the latter around the stick, and
tying it on in such a fashion as to make of it a rude representation of
the human form.

When he had got the "dummy" rigged out to his satisfaction, he reached
cautiously forward--still keeping the fronds of the pisang between
himself and the bear. In this position, he held the "scarecrow" out at
the full length of his arm; and, giving the stick a punch, set it erect
in the ground. The bruang, from his elevated perch on the tree, could
not fail to see the object--though the hunter himself was still
concealed by the huge leaves that drooped over his head. Alexis, now
cautiously, and without making the slightest noise, stole away from the
spot. When he believed himself well out of hearing of the bear, he
quickened his pace, and retraced his steps to the camp.

It was but the work of a minute for all hands to arm themselves and set
out; and in ten minutes' time they arrived at the bottom of the
_arenga_, and had the gratification of finding that the _ruse_ of Alexis
had proved successful.

The bruang was still crouching upon the crown of the palm; but he did
not stay there much longer, for a volley fired at his white breast
toppled him over from his perch; and he fell to the bottom of the tree
as dead as a stone.

The Dyak was rather chagrined that he had not himself discovered the
game; but, on ascertaining that he would receive the promised bounty all
the same, he soon got the better of his regrets.

Our hunters being on the