Page:Off For Hawaii.djvu/177

Rh "Well, this is a pickle truly," I murmured, and put one of my hands, which was over my head, to my brow. My head ached a good deal and there was a lump behind my left ear, where I had been struck.

The air inside of the tree was suffocating and I rightfully guessed that I had been a long while unconscious in consequence. Thinking to climb out as quickly as possible, I put my hand up to catch something by which to pull myself up. Nothing came within my grasp.

Somewhat alarmed, I managed, after a struggle, to get the other hand up, and then, turning slowly, felt carefully over the surface of the wood. It was as smooth as glass and there was not a break anywhere.

My next move was to jump up and try to find some opening above my former reach. But, as I could not bend my knees very much, the jumping proved a failure and I simply scraped my shoulder by the operation.

"I'm boxed in and no mistake," was my dismal thought. "If I can't get out of this I'll starve to death."

Presently I heard a flutter overhead and a large bird came flying down into the hollow. It must have had its nest there, for it seemed much surprised when it landed on my head. I caught it in my hand, but it broke loose and fluttered up