Dave walked back and got more water, and after another bath the sprained ankle was bound up in some crushed leaves and some linen torn from one of the youth's shirtsleeves. Then they made themselves as comfortable as possible on the rocks, and began to talk over the new turn of affairs. "Do you think I had better go on alone?" questioned Dave. "I don't know. Somehow, I don't think we ought to separate." "I agree, and yet we ought to try to reach the _Swallow_ as soon as possible." "That's so, too." "Supposing I try to get over the ravine and to the top of the hill? I won't get out of rifle shot, and it may be I'll be able to spot our ship from the hilltop." "All right, go ahead. But don't wander too far, or--gracious, look!" He broke off short and pointed to a tree growing close at hand. The leaves of the tree had parted slowly, and now from between them appeared the hideous head and shoulders of a monstrous gorilla! The gorilla's eyes were bent upon both boys, and the beast looked as if he meant immediate mischief! CHAPTER XIII SURROUNDED BY SAVAGES "He's coming down on us, Bob!" "Jump and save yourself, Dave!" Crack! bang! The cries and shots were uttered almost at the same time, and the air was instantly filled with smoke, followed by an unearthly squeal from the gorilla, who instantly disappeared from view. But the beast was not seriously wounded, for the rifle balls had merely nipped his paw and his shoulder, and he was in a terrible rage. "Is he dead, Bob?" "Reckon not, for I can hear him climbing through the tree." "We ought to get away from here, for there may be more of the gorillas about." "That's true. But I can't walk." "I'll carry you." And having allowed Bob to slip some extra cartridges into the repeating rifle, Dave took his friend up in his arms. He was just about to start down the ravine when the gorilla showed himself a second time. He had armed himself with half-green cocoanuts, and taking aim, he let fly at Dave's head. "Dodge!" yelled Bob, and the cry came none too soon, for the missile brushed over the top of the young diver's head. Then came several more cocoanuts, and Bob was struck in the side. He could not stand the fusillade, and watching his chance, discharged the rifle again. He only fired one shot, but this found its way through the gorilla's stomach, and mortally wounded the creature. Down dropped the cocoanuts, one at a time. Then the animal's hold relaxed, and he too came down, almost at the feet of the youths. The distorted, half-human face was terrible to look upon, and both Dave and Bob turned quickly away. "I never want to see another gorilla," shuddered Dave. "And I never want to shoot one," responded Bob. Along the ravine went the young diver, carrying his friend upon his shoulder. Two hundred feet of the rough way was covered when they reached a spot where the ravine might be crossed with ease.