Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/141

Rh accomplish, for the wind was dead ahead, and the oars had to be used. Everything seemed quiet under the trees; not a yelp or a growl was heard in the forest, and not the sign of a fire was seen under the black masses of foliage.

About half-past ten Briant, who was in the stern of the boat, touched Moko's arm. A few hundred feet away from East River a half-extinguished fire shed its expiring light through the darkness. Who was camped there? Walston or Donagan? It was necessary to know before entering the stream.

"Put me ashore." said Briant,

"Shall I not come with you?" asked the negro in a whisper.

"No! It is better I should go alone, there is less chance of my being seen."

The yawl ran alongside the bank, and Briant jumped ashore, after telling Moko to wait for him. He had his cutlass in his hand, and in his belt was the revolver, which he had resolved not to use except in the last extremity. He climbed the bank and glided under the trees.

Suddenly he stopped. About twenty yards away, in the half-light of the fire, he saw a shadow crouching in the grass. Immediately a formidable grunt was heard, and a dark mass leapt in front of him.

It was a jaguar of large size. Immediately there was a shout of —

"Help! Help!"

Briant recognized Donagan's voice. It was Donagan, in fact, and his companions were asleep in camp near the river.

Knocked over by the jaguar, Donagan was struggling, unable to use his gun.

Wilcox, awakened by the shout, jumped up, and brought his gun to the shoulder, ready to fire.

"Don't fire! Don't fire!" cried Briant. And before Wilcox could see him, he had sprung at the wild beast, which turned against him and left Donagan free to