For a moment, then, Trim could not see what was going on, because the savages were gathered in such a thick group.
After a moment most of them near the treetop withdrew to the edge of the fire, leaving only three or four of their companions and the kneeling man by the treetop. Those who were left were evidently still holding the tree down.
There was a moment of perfect silence. Then the king raised his arm again and uttered one word in a terrible voice.
Immediately the men who were holding down the treetop sprung aside. At the same moment Trim realized what was being done and was so horrified and excited that he jumped from his concealment and began to go across the open space toward the house.
He was too late. The tree sprung back to its upright position, carrying with it the body of the man who had been kneeling.
A cord had been fastened about his neck and tied to the treetop. The result of the operation was that his neck was broken.
Trim had witnessed an execution; whether of a criminal or simply of someone who had displeased the king, or of some member of a neighboring tribe, he could not tell.
CHAPTER V.
SURPRISED IN CAMP BY A STRANGE ENEMY.
The victim’s body had not ceased to sway back and forth with the motion of the tree before the savages discovered the presence of a stranger.
Trim’s first feeling had been that he would prevent that execution, but he saw he was too late, at the same time that he saw that he had been observed. He therefore walked calmly forward, as if he was familiar with the place and had no fear of the savages.