They ran as fast as ever they had done at school, and up behind them came the roar of the demons. But they could see no creature as yet, though they often glanced furtively behind them.
The enemy, however, seeing that they were but little more than a hundred yards from the sunlight, mustered up courage for the attack.
And down from the trees they leapt--a score, at least, of hideous, long-armed, hairy gorillas.
If they did not possess the courage, they at all events had far more than the strength of ordinary men.
As they advanced they beat their breasts furiously, uttering savage cries.
"A clear head now!" shouted Duncan.
Both young fellows leaned their rifles against trees to make sure of their aim.
Br-rang! Br-rang!
The sound awakened the echoes of the ugly forest, and two gorillas fell dead.
There was a silence of fully fifteen seconds, and the boys went hurrying on again.