I noticed then for the first time that a short hempen rope hung suspended from the largest branch, with a noose in the end.

The noose was not more than two feet below the branch.
Schubert's consideration of the table's exact position, and the placing of the soap-box on the table, was interrupted by the arrival of Coutlass, his Greek companion and the Goanese arm in arm, followed closely by two askaris who shouted angrily and made a great show of trying to prevent them.

One of the askaris aimed his rifle absurdly at Coutlass, both Greeks and the Goanese daring him gleefully to pull the trigger.
They purposely came close to us, not that we showed signs of meaning to befriend them.

They were simply unable to understand that there are degrees of disgrace.

To Coutlass all victims of government outrage ought surely to be more than friendly with any one in conflict with the law.