t_ "Bruin" had already led
them to indulge in the speculation, as to whether the latter might not
have originally come from the East?

They did not stay to think of it then: for the guide, on regaining
_terra firma_, at once started off--telling them to follow him.

After going rapidly about a quarter of a mile through the woods, the
Dyak began to advance more cautiously--carefully examining each of the
trunks of the _tapangs_ that stood thinly scattered among the other
trees.

At one of these he was seen to make an abrupt halt, at the same instant
turning his face upward. The young hunters, who were close behind him,
could see that there were scratches upon the soft succulent bark, as if
caused by the claws of some animal; but, almost as soon as they had made
the observation, their eyes were directed to the animal itself.

Away up on the tall tapang--just where its lowest limbs parted from the
main stem--a black body could be distinguished. At such a distance it
appeared not bigger than a squirrel; but, for all that, it was a Bornean
bear; and the spot of vivid orange upon its breast could be seen shining
like a coal of fire. Close by its snout a whitish mass appeared
attached under the branches. This was the waxen domicile of the
_lanyeh_ bees; and a slight mist-like cloud, which hung over the place,
was the swarm itself--no doubt engaged in angry conflict with the
plunderer of their hive.

The little bear was too busy in the enjoyment of his luscious meal--that
is, if the stings of the _lanyehs_ allowed him to enjoy it--to look
below; and for some minutes the hunters stood regarding him, without
making a movement.

Satisfied with their inspection, they were at length preparing to fire
at him; when they were hindered by the Dyak--who, making signs to them
to be silent, drew them all back from the tree.

When out of sight of the bear, he counselled them to adopt a different
plan. He said--what was true enough--that at such a height they might
miss the bear; or, even if they should hit him, a bullet would scarce
bring him down--unless it should strike him in a vital part. In the
contingency of their missing, or only slightly wounding him, the animal
would at once ascend further up into the tapang; and, hidden behind the
leaves and branches, might defy them. He would there remain till hunger
should force him down; and, since he was just in the act of having his
meal, and had, no doubt, been eating from the