The breast of each swimmer had struck against it, the shock raising them into a half-erect attitude, from which they had no need to return to the horizontal.

On the contrary, they now rose upon their feet, which they felt to be resting on a firm hard bottom.
Standing in pleased surprise, they could better survey the prospect before them; and after a minute spent in gazing through the gloom, they saw that dry land was close to the spot where they had been so abruptly arrested.
It appeared only a low-lying islet, scarce rising above the level of the lagoon, and of limited extent--only a few rods in superficial area.

It was thickly covered with trees; but, unlike those standing in the water, which were tall and with single stems, those upon the islet were supported by many trunks, proclaiming them to be some species of the Indian fig or _banyan_.
One near the centre, from its greater width and more numerous supporting pillars, seemed the patriarch of the tribe; and to this their eyes were especially directed.

For out of its leafy shadows came the strange sounds which had hitherto guided them.
Among its branches, without any doubt, the red gorilla had his home; and there he would be found in the bosom of his family.
Grasping his gun, and whispering to Saloo to follow him, Captain Redwood started towards the tree so clearly indicated as the goal of their expedition..