fleeting glimpses.

It was approaching through the jungle in a semi-erect position,

now and then placing the backs of its closed fists upon the

ground--a great anthropoid ape, and, as it advanced, it emitted

deep guttural growls and an occasional low barking sound.

Clayton was at some distance from the cabin, having come

to fell a particularly perfect tree for his building operations.

Grown careless from months of continued safety, during

which time he had seen no dangerous animals during the daylight

hours, he had left his rifles and revolvers all within the

little cabin, and now that he saw the great ape crashing

through the underbrush directly toward him, and from a

direction which practically cut him off from escape, he

felt a vague little shiver play up and down his spine.

He knew that, armed only with an ax, his chances with this

ferocious monster were small indeed--and Alice; O God, he

thought, what will become of Alice?

There was yet a slight chance of reaching the cabin. He

turned and ran toward it, shouting an alarm to his wife to run

in and close the great door in case the ape cut off his retreat.

Lady Greystoke had been sitting a little way from the

cabin, and when she heard his cry she looked up to see the

ape springing with almost incredible swiftness, for so large

and awkward an animal, in an effort to head off Clayton.

With a low cry she sprang toward the cabin, and, as she

entered, gave a backward glance which filled her soul with

terror, for the brute had intercepted her husband, who now

stood at bay grasping his ax with both hands ready to swing

it upon the infuriated animal when he should make his final

charge.

"Close and bolt the door, Alice," cried Clayton. "I can

finish this fellow with my ax."

But he knew he was facing a horrible death, and so did she.

The ape was a great bull, weighing probably three hundred

pounds. His nasty, close-set eyes gleamed hatred from beneath