Should they attempt to escape, the ape would be certain of seeing them before they could get under cover of the woods, and, as they supposed, might easily overtake them in their flight.
Another tree was near, connecting that under which they stood with the adjoining forest.

But it was in a side direction, and they would be seen before reaching it.

There was no alternative but to risk a chase, or stay where they were, and take the chances of not being seen by the horrid creature that was approaching.

They chose the latter.
Silently they stood, hands clasped and close to the stem of the tree, on the side opposite to that on which the gorilla was advancing.

They no longer saw it; for now they dared not look around the trunk, or even peep through the leaves of the orchids, lest their faces might betray them.
After all, the ape might pass into the forest without observing them.
If it did, the danger would be at an end; if not, the brave boy had summoned up all his energies to meet and grapple with it.