The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-03-20

! their captive, had journeyed for many
miles, arriving in the early dawn at their
present encampment. The scientist, ex-
hausted from want Of food and the long
transport, had for the first time fallen into
deep slumber.
1t was broad daylight when great
clamor awoke him. To his amazement he
found himself alone. The gorillas had
been Joined by several hundred of another
tribe. In the excitement of the meeting
even the prisoner was forgotten. The lat
ter was refreshed and invigorated by his
long sleep. A large cocoanut was lying
near him, dropped there doubtless by his
guard in the excitement. Selling the fruit,
he devoured it with avidity. Never had
nectar tasted more delicious.
Realizing that something important was
transpiring among the gorillas, Mayne,
finding himself unobserved, crept stealth
lily toward them, noting their every move
ment. He soon OWNED something of the
situation.
Near the center of the river. some 800
yards from the mainland. was long, mar
row island on which could be distinguished
a number of black figures, which re-
sponded to the gestures of those on the
bank. They were evidently in distress They
looked emaciated and feeble, particularly
the females and their little ones. And the
secret of the council was explained.
ganization existing among the gorillas, at
the oneness OF purpose, the frmness of
resolve, the unanimous consolidation of
forces to aid their brethren in distress.
But how came whole tribe of these be-
lngs. who detest water, on an island in
midstreem?
A huge boulder standing almost perpen-
dicularly on the island on the main land
directly opposite freshly torn cavity in
the side OF the bank, mass of loose earth
and crushed vegetation, told the tale. A
bridge of some sort had existed: placed
there, not by the gorillas. but through
some accident of nature. In the late ris-
ing OF the waters 1t had been washed away
by the current.
What would they attempt to do? Ig-
nerant of every principle of navigation
they were powerless. great throb of
hope came to Mayne. If he-the man
succeeded where they could not, surely
here at least was chance TO win their
friendship, perhaps their gratitude.
The. ,gorillas had labored un-
ceasingly. The tallest tree avail
able, a tree over 2J0 feet in height.
had been torn bodily out of the ground
and carried down to the bank. Slowly.
awkwardly, with no other aid than the
herculean strength of their huge arms.
they raised 1t to perpendicular position
then gradually lowered the top over the
river. In their ignorance of distance they
were trying TO make it touch on the oppo
site side. There was breathless pause
as it reached horizontalposition. Then.
simultaneously, they relaxed their hold.
There was crash and tremendous SMASH
ing of water. The tree, some fifty feet too
short. had sunk TO the bottom of the
stream. From both banks arose a terrible
cry of rage, of fury, of disappointment.
II was followed by an awful silence. the
silence OF utter despair.
Then Mayne arose and walked toward
them. He went directly 10 the central
| group and stopped before the largest
| gorilla among them. II was the chief
OF the tribe that held him prisoner. With
| gesture full of confidence the naturalist
| pointed alternately to himself. to the
| place where the tree had fallen and TO the
island. 1t took time and infinite patience
10 make them understand. At last thew
! seemed 10 comprehend vaguely that he
| wished 10 do something for them. II was
| curious 10 note the distrust and anxiety
| with which he was regarded He found
/ with little difficulty pointed stone. and
! commenced hacking away energeticalIy at
| the branches OF the fallen tree. Soon he
had number of awkward assistants.
| Noontlde came and passed After four
| hours Of hard work he had some fiftv
| branches. which, with several Young tree
| trunks, would suffice TO make raft The
| gorlllas had become less hostile. and MANY
had proved themselves intelligent and able
apprentices He had also been given
noeraI ratlons OF food. The animals aided
him zealously in looking for thongs with
which 10 bind the logs together. Nearly
two-thlrds of the day passed ere the raft
was completed. To launch it required in
Unite .precaution. The gorillas pressed
around him as he began once more to
point eagerly and intellectually toward
Now the greatest difficulty presented it
self. How should he induce one of their
number TO accompany him2 For to make
the trip alone would be worse than use
less. Those on the island would surely
not do what their brothers on this side did
not dare to venture. At last he pushed the
rait into the water, not without the risk