The Castaways by Mayne Reid
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.
SILENCE RESTORED.
At first sight of the brute, notwithstanding its strangely monstrousappearance, Henry had really mistaken it for a man; but a moment'sreflection convinced him that he was looking upon an ape instead of aman, and one of such gigantic size as to make him certain it must be theanimal spoken of by Saloo under the various appellations of _miasrombi_, _ourang-outang_, and _red gorilla_. Saloo's remarks concerningthis ape, and his emphatic warnings, were not at all pleasant to be nowrecalled. Though brave as a young lion, he looked upon the shaggymonster with fear and trembling. Far less for himself than for hissister; who, being nearer to it, was, of course, in greater peril of anattack. This, indeed, seemed imminent, and his first thought was torush to the spot and discharge his musket into the monster's face. Hewas restrained only by seeing that Helen, moved by an instinct ofself-preservation, had made an effort to save herself by gliding roundthe trunk of the tree, and seeking concealment on its opposite side. Atthe same time she had prudently ceased her cries; and as the animal didnot show any intention of following her, but rather seemed inclined tokeep toward the edge of the lake, the boy bethought him that his bestcourse would be not to discharge his musket until the ape should makesome hostile demonstration.
Saloo had told them that the brute is not always disposed to commencethe attack upon man. If left alone, it will go its own way, exceptduring certain seasons, when the females are fearful for their youngoffspring. Then they will assail every intruder that comes near,whether man or animal. But when wounded or enraged they will not onlyact on the defensive, but attack their enemies in the most spiteful andimplacable manner.
Remembering these things, and hoping the huge creature might take apeaceful departure from the place, Henry, who had already held hismusket at the level, lowered its muzzle, at the same time dropping uponhis knees among some tall grass, which, in this attitude, tolerably wellconcealed him.
He soon saw that he had acted wisely. The hairy monster seemedaltogether to ignore the presence of his sister and himself; and as ifneither were within a thousand miles of the spot, kept on its coursetoward the margin of the water. Fortunately for Henry, it went quiteanother way, which, widening diagonally, did not bring the creature atall near him. It was evidently directing its course toward someliliaceous plants with large succulent stems, which formed a patch orbed, standing in the water, but close to the brink of the lake.
In all probability there was not enough fruit in the neighbourhood tosatisfy the hirsute gentleman now passing before their eyes; or else hehad a fancy to vary his diet by making a meal upon simple vegetables.He soon reached the patch of tall water-plants; waded in nearlyknee-deep; and then with arms, each of which had the sweep of a mower'sscythe, drew in their heads toward him, and with a mouth wide as that ofa hippopotamus, cropped off the succulent shoots and flower-stems, andmunched them like an ox in the act of chewing its cud.
Seeing the huge hairy creature thus peaceably disposed, and hoping itwould for some time continue in this harmless disposition, Henry rosefrom his kneeling attitude, and glided silently, but swiftly, toward thetree. Joining his sister Helen, he flung his arms around her as he roseerect, and kissed her to chase away the effects of the terrible frightshe had sustained.