Chapter 22 twenty one

Give me the vial!Mary held out her hand. Rafael narrowed his eyes.what do you want to dodo not trust me? no.Not safe in your shirt pocket, it will fall out. What about you, where can you hide it?You don't even have pockets! Mary just smiled lightly, took the bottle from Raphael, and stuffed it into her bra. Do you think if we do this, no one will find it if we get caught?Rafael was full of grievances.He seemed to realize that she had taken the vial to prevent him from doing stupid things out of arrogance. Mary shrugged.Let's keep going! They toiled through the dense forest and climbed upwards.After the plane flew away, Mary regained some courage.However, the difficult ascent reminded her repeatedly how hopeless their situation was.It was pure luck that they had previously escaped capture.But those people don't give up easily.Perhaps the people on the plane had spotted them when they were dodging the buffalo; maybe the men were chasing them with their dogs.Even without dogs, they must have been quite familiar with the terrain.What's more, they still have equipment and food.

Thinking of this, Mary suddenly realized that they hadn't eaten since noon yesterday!My feet hurt from wearing shoes that were not suitable for climbing, and my knees were scratched by stones and thorns.Hair is constantly caught by leaves and twigs.Although it didn't rain today, the humidity was very high. When people climbed in the damp and cold mountain air, the leaves were covered with dew again, and their clothes became wet.She wished she could take a hot bath. Rafael, who was walking in front, tried his best to climb upwards.He stopped to wait for her from time to time; whenever he encountered insurmountable places, he would help her whenever possible.He didn't say a word of complaint, and Mary couldn't complain anymore.

Suddenly, Rafael stood still.He carefully inspected a forest.A few branches snapped off, and he turned immediately, no longer going up, but followed the slope to the right. What's wrong?Mary asked, why not go up? He pointed to the dense forest.There are wild gorillas there.Explain the subconscious change of direction, he said. So what?Do you want to stalk wild gorillas quietly? Why not?Tourists pay a lot of money to see wild gorillas only once in a lifetime.He made a face. Mary watched him listlessly, but then understood.You want to mingle with the tourists! He nodded.This would be excellent cover.Maybe our hunters don't know what we look like.Maybe we can still use this method to sneak out of the blockade.

Mary nodded approvingly.As long as they follow the footsteps of wild gorillas, sooner or later they will encounter tour groups guided by locals.This is an opportunity. Once you know what to look out for, it's easy to spot the obvious marks left by gorillas.Several times they found gorilla droppings, round and black like horse dung.In these places there is always a patch of grass that has been nibbled down, and branches broken or bare. As dusk approached, they smelled a strong orangutan scent, followed by purring and animal calls.Apparently, the gorillas were resting in a meadow above.The wind blowing down from above brings their smell and sound.

Let's get closer!Raphael suggested. What are you doing?We already know where wild gorillas are.We can spend the night near them and try to find tourists tomorrow. Can.But don't you think it's exciting to observe these animals up close?There are only a few hundred of these animals left in the world.We may never have that chance again. Mary thought of their situation, and it was really hard for her to understand Raphael's enthusiasm for exploration at the moment.But on the other hand, Raphael proved with his actions in this primitive world that he is a very capable guide.Moreover, he also saved her life.She held back the harsh words on her lips, and followed behind him worriedly.

They were already very close to the group of gorillas.Now there are only a few bushes blocking the view, and the snoring of adult gorillas can be clearly heard.They gnaw grass leisurely, or groom each other's hair.The shouts of excitement come from the jumping and playing baby orangutans. Raphael squatted behind a tree, carefully pushing aside the leaves.He turned and waved to Mary, motioning her to come closer. Their eyes widened and they looked through the gaps in the leaves.Just less than three meters in front of them, two young orangutans were lying in the tall grass, twisted into a ball.They tugged at each other and threw themselves into each other's arms.For a moment Mary saw one scratching the belly of the other.This scene of unrestrained joy made her forget her predicament and smile for a moment.

A baby orangutan happened to turn his head to face them.It hesitated for a moment, as if it was not sure whether it saw clearly, but then screamed and scrambled to the back of the adult gorilla.Its little companions also followed suit. Suddenly there was a frightening roar and a dull pounding sound, and the branches snapped.Then, out of the woods in front of them, a burly silverback gorilla rushed out, only a dozen meters away from them.It bared its teeth and glared at them. Mary tried to jump up and run away, but her body would not obey.The huge monster rushed towards her quickly, and Mary believed that this would be the last scene she saw in the world.

The silverback gorilla let out a terrifying roar.Mary fell to her knees, her head clasped tightly in her hands.It would pounce at any moment, raise its claws, smash her back, and crush her head and neck with its canine teeth. However, nothing happened.The gorilla suddenly stopped in front of them and crouched down beside them. Mary took courage and took a careful breath.The gorilla snorted contemptuously.Suddenly Mary felt something in her head.It paws her!There was no hostility in this touch, on the contrary, it was gentle and full of curiosity, even like some kind of temptation. A big black, leather-like hand gently pushed her shoulder.

Mary raised her head slowly. The gorilla opened its eyes wide, showing a look of astonishment like a human.Mary almost laughed out loud.What the hell are you?the gorilla seems to be asking.Why are you scaring my child? Mary crawled backward on all fours.Raphael did the same. The gorilla snorted again and disappeared into the woods. Mary and Raphael looked at each other. Oh My God!Rafael said, I almost scared the shit out of me. Mary didn't answer, but stared wide-eyed at the figure in olive green suit who suddenly appeared in front of them from the forest.