"Oro!" Drake grabbed the dog at the jaw hinge with his free hand. He brought pressure to bear, paralyzing the muscles, forcing the dog's jaws open. He pulled his hand out and flung the dog away. Oro rolled to his feet and advanced on him again.
"Stand!" Drake shouted. The dog kept coming, edging around to get between the ocean and the man.
Turning, Drake saw the bug emerge from the jungle and creep toward him. His dog had circled around and was trying to drive him toward the bug.
Drake didn't know what was going on, and he decided he'd better not stay to find out. He picked up his knife and threw it at the bug. He missed. The bug was almost within jumping distance.
Drake ran toward the ocean. When Oro tried to intercept him, he kicked the dog out of the way and plunged into the water.
He began to swim around the island to the camp, hoping he'd make it before the sharks got him.
III
At the camp, rifles and revolvers were hastily wiped clean of cosmoline and passed around. Binoculars were taken out and adjusted. Cartridges were divided up, and the supply of knives, machetes and hatchets quickly disappeared. The expedition's two walkie-talkies were unpacked, and the men prepared to move out in search of Drake. Then they saw him, swimming vigorously around the edge of the island.
He waded ashore, tired but uninjured. He and the others put their information together and reached some unhappy conclusions.