began to feel that, if he was to escape, it must be through his
own efforts; for he had so little faith in Hamet's nature, that he knew
that his existence trembled upon a hair.

He was in an inner room of the house, little better in fact than a
bamboo cage. The place was old, but he could see that here and there
his prison had been mended with new green bamboos, especially about the
flooring, through which he could see down to the earth, some twelve feet
below, the sunlight shining up between the short bamboos, just as a few
gleams of sunshine came through the attap roof.

There had been a window, but this had been filled in with stout bamboo
cross-pieces, through and between which were woven long lengths of
rattan; but the weak places had been made strong, and from old
experience he knew that, unless armed with a heavy knife, it would be
impossible to force a way through the tough wall of bamboo and woven
cane.

The place was very gloomy, from the closing of the window; and as he
glanced round he could see that his guards had been joined by
half-a-dozen more, and that they were making themselves comfortable in
the outer place, but in such a position that they could command a full
view of his room.

Judging from appearances, they were preparing for a lengthened stay, for
some of them were arranging cooking utensils; others placing pieces of
dammar, a sort of fossil gum, of a pale blue tint, and very inflammable,
ready for lighting up the part of the house where they were assembled.

After a time one of the number made ready the meal, for which his
companions seemed to be impatiently waiting; and first of all a portion,
consisting of broiled fish, some fruit, and sago, was brought to the
prisoner, who, before partaking thereof, was rigorously searched, to see
if he still bore any arms about his person. Satisfied upon this point,
the Malays left him with his food, and proceeded to feast themselves,
after which some began smoking, and some betel-chewing.

It was evident to Ali that he was to be kept a close prisoner; and as he
lay there upon the bamboo floor, with his untouched food before him, he
began to think out his position, and to calculate as to the possibility
of escape.

How was it to be done?

His guards were so watchful that his slightest movements drew two or
three pairs of eyes upon him, and he knew of old how quick they were of
hearing. He felt assured that they would take it in turns to sleep, an