"Better stand farther back, Sahibs," said Sree, ceasing to pull,
"But we couldn't see to shoot," said Harry.
"Better not shoot than be seized by this child of a horrible mother,
Sahib."
"We should have time to spring back," said Phra; "for we should see the water move. Go on pulling in the rope."
"Yes, go on," said Harry excitedly. "I can't bear this waiting. Haul quicker, and let's have it over."
The men obeyed, and another yard was easily and slowly drawn in, the Siamese in their excitement opening their eyelids widely so as to show the opalescent eyeballs; but still there was no check, and the curve of the rope now showed that the hook end must be close under the stage.
"Now, Sahibs, mind," whispered Sree hoarsely; "he is down there by your feet, or else right under the floor."
The lads glanced down at the frail, split bamboos, through whose interstices they could just catch the gleam of the flowing water, while the same idea came to both.
Suppose the brute were to dash its head upward? It would break through as easily as if the flooring had been of laths.
But all was still save the rippling whisper of the water and the hum of insect life outside in the blistering sunshine, as the men drew on cautiously, inch by inch, in momentary expectation of the development of a cunning attack.