This remark was made just in time to save the life of the old ape, at whom Stanley was aiming.
“You are right,” he answered. “I should like to know more about them, however.”
“Perhaps Chickango or Timbo can tell us,” answered David.
As it was not far off, the boys agreed to go and get them, while we watched the spot. Before long the two blacks came creeping up. Chickango watched them for a little time. Then he spoke to Timbo, who whispered to us:
“He say dat is Nshiego Mbouve. He got bald head, wide mouth, round chin, and—see! beard like one old man! He not nearly so strong as gorilla. Dey stay dere; no fear, not run away now.”
With this information we returned to the canoe. Timbo advised the boys to keep at a distance from the animals; for should they discover that they were watched, they might come down and attack them. Being somewhat tired with our work, and having made considerable progress, we retired earlier than usual to the Castle; for such was the name we had given our abode. Chickango and Timbo, however, remained behind, keeping their guns with them, and saying that they would give a few more touches to the canoe.
We had scarcely reached the house when we heard a distant shot. Leo and Natty, who had just given an account of the animal they had seen to the young ladies, and were still somewhat excited, ran out to ascertain who had fired. We heard them shouting out—
“There they are! and they’re bringing a little chap along with them!”
“It is a young ape,” cried Natty.
“No; I tell you it is a small savage—a boy,” exclaimed Leo. “See! why, he is walking along!”