spot; so that you may both know where to find us. Two of
you have got axes, and we will make a shelter in a tree; so as to
be able to sleep without fear of tigers when we go out there,
though I dare say that we shall generally sleep near the town.
However, one or other of us will always be at the spot, at midday,
on the days when you are to meet us.

"Now that I think of it, two of you may as well stay at the
shelter, for the present, while the other three and the two boys go
home. Then there will be no occasion to take the long journey so
often. When we do get my cousin out, we shall have to take up our
abode, for a time, either here or in the forest, until he is well
enough to bear the journey."

In the morning Stanley closely examined the roof of the cave, but
could see no opening to account for the noise that he had heard. He
had, however, no doubt that one existed somewhere. He left a man
with the two boys in charge of the horses, and went with the others
until they approached the edge of the forest. They kept along
within the trees for half a mile, so that any fire they might light
would be unseen by people travelling along the road. The men
considered this precaution needless, as they declared that no one
would venture to pass along it after nightfall; partly owing to the
fear of tigers, and partly to the vicinity of the temple.

A suitable tree was soon fixed on; and the Burmese, now in their
element, ascended it by driving in pegs at distances of two feet
apart. Once among the high branches, they lopped off all small
boughs that would be in the way and then, descending, cut a number
of poles, and many lengths of tough creeper and, with these, they
constructed a platform among the higher branches; and on it erected
a sort of arbour, amply sufficient to hold four or five people,
lying down. This arbour would hardly be noticed, even by persons
searching; as it was, to a great extent, hidden by the foliage
beneath it. Stanley told Meinik that they had better buy some rope
for a ladder, and take out the pegs; as these might catch the eye
of a passer-by, and cause him to make a close search above.

As soon as the work was finished, two of the men went back to the
temple, to start at once for home with their companion, the boys,
and the horses. Stanley had brought with him his pistols, the two
horse blankets, and other things that might be useful and, when
these were stored above he, with Meinik and the two men,