He had descended at least three-fourths of the way, when, as he swung his torch below, he uttered a cry that was almost a shriek and the torch fell from his hand.
At the same instant Donald gave vent to a loud exclamation and his rifle cracked.
"Hold on," he cried as he arose from the ground, "as you value your life, don't lose your hold."
"What is it?" asked the others in one voice.
"Snakes! Dozens of them," replied Donald. "Climb up, Strong, as fast as you can."
"All right," came a feeble reply, followed almost immediately by a louder call of "Help!"
"Hold fast," called Donald. "I'm coming."
But before he could turn to step down the ladder, a chattering figure sprang past him and shot down the rope.
It was the ape. He had heard his master's call and had gone to his assistance.
A moment later came a joyful cry that told as plainly as words that Ambrosio had reached his master in time.