When looking between the heads of the people he had counted the same planks above.

Standing under one he looked up, listened intently for a few seconds, and drew his kriss.

The place was almost pitch dark, yet the blade caught a faint gleam from without, which it reflected on the pirate's face as he thrust the long keen weapon swiftly, yet deliberately, between the bamboos.
A shriek, that filled those who heard it with a thrill of horror, rang out on the silent night.

At the same moment a gush of warm blood poured over the murderer's face before he could leap aside.

Instant uproar and confusion burst out in the neighbourhood, and spread like wildfire until the whole town was aroused.