curved round, similar to the points found on
the old Japanese swords; and in the hands of a powerful man like himself
it would undoubtedly prove a very terrible weapon. Indeed, it was so
heavy that Frobisher wondered how it could be possible with so ponderous
a blade to carry out the particular form of execution for which it was
designed. But it would serve his purpose admirably, the sailor told
himself; and he sheathed the weapon and placed it at the far end of the
chamber, where it might be ready to his hand if necessity arose for him
to use it.

The next step in the examination of the cell was to get a glimpse, if
possible, out of the little window, high up in the wall, to learn
something concerning the whereabouts of his prison and how it was
situated. Then, in the somewhat improbable event of an opportunity
offering for escape, he would not be handicapped by ignorance with
regard to his surroundings.

To this end he hunted about for something wherewith to construct a
platform, and presently managed to collect together a pile of
instruments, pieces of ancient furniture, and odds and ends of lumber
which, piled together, enabled him, assisted by his great height, to
bring his eyes to the level of the bottom of the window; and having
climbed up, using great care not to upset the pile in so doing,
Frobisher seized the iron grating protecting the window and, thus
supporting himself in position, looked out.

Narrow as was the window on the inside, the view which the young
Englishman was able to obtain from it was quite extensive, for the
embrasure which formed the opening was splayed widely outward on both
sides, in a manner frequently seen in old English castles in the
construction of the "arrow slits" in the walls; and the first thing he
noticed was that he had been correct in his estimation of the thickness
of the walls. They were at least six feet thick, and there was
therefore no hope whatever of being able to break out through them.

The fort itself was situated on the right bank of the river; and,
judging from the open country in its neighbourhood, must be at some
little distance from the town of Asan itself. Indeed, as Frobisher
afterwards ascertained, the building was situated on a small peninsula
of land jutting out into Prince Jerome gulf, and was therefore nearly
four miles distant from the town. The window embraced a view of part of
the gulf, including the entrance, and a strip of jungle-clad coun