CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.
IN FEAR AND TREMBLING.
The kiss which Henry gave his little sister was not one of congratulation.

He was not yet sure of her safety, or of his own.

The hairy monster was still in sight--not more than a hundred yards off--and though apparently busy with his banquet on the tender shoots of the water-plants, might at any moment discontinue it, and spring upon them.
What was the best thing to be done in order to escape him?
Run off into the forest, and try to find their father and Saloo?
They might go the wrong way, and by so doing make things worse.

The great ape itself would soon be returning among the trees, and might meet them in the teeth; there would then be no chance of avoiding an encounter.
To go after Murtagh would be an equally doubtful proceeding; they were ignorant of the direction the ship-carpenter had taken.
Young as they were, a moment's reflection admonished them not to stir from the spot.
But what, then?
Cry out, so that the absent ones might hear them?
No; for this might also attract the attention of the ourang-outang, and bring it upon them.

Besides, Helen had shrieked loudly on the first alarm.