Part 33 (1/2)
CHAPTER XXI-INTO A CAVE AND OUT
”Let us look around for footprints, Roger,” said Dave, as the pair scrambled up the rocks once more. ”If any persons landed from that smashed rowboat they'd have to walk in some direction, and the ground is soft back of here.”
”The trouble is, it is growing so dark,” returned the senator's son.
”In a little while we won't be able to find our way back. We should have brought a lantern along.”
”I've got something almost as good,” answered our hero, and took from his pocket a little electric flashlight-one of the kind that emits a tiny flash of light when the b.u.t.ton at the end is pressed.
”Good enough! That's first-rate!”
The pair were soon down from the rocks. Under the palm trees it was now dark, and Dave used the electric flashlight to advantage.
”Here are footprints!” he cried, presently. ”Six pairs! That shows that at least a half dozen persons came ash.o.r.e in that boat. Those six may have been carrying others.”
”Shall we set up a shout?”
”I don't know, Roger. If Merwell and Jasniff were around I'd like to surprise them. If they discovered us first, and they had the jewels, they'd surely hide the gems and then say they didn't have them.”
”I believe that, Dave. Well, let us follow the footsteps and see where they lead to.”
”Another thing. Do you remember those Englishmen? They may be on this island, and if so, I'd rather steer clear of them.”
”So would I, they were so disagreeable-all but that one chap, Borden.”
The trail led among the palm trees and then up a rise of ground where grew a number of bushes. Here the boys had to proceed more slowly, for fear of missing the way.
”It's queer that they should call this spot Cave Island,” observed the senator's son. ”We haven't seen anything that looks like a cave.”
”The caves may be on the other side of the island,” answered Dave.
”Look out, Roger, there is a split in the rocks! Let us jump over to yonder bushes.”
Dave placed the flashlight in his pocket and made the leap he had mentioned, and his chum came after him.
A most astonis.h.i.+ng thing followed. The bushes where they landed gave way, and down they rolled on some smooth rocks. They tried to stay their progress, but this was impossible, and they continued to roll for several minutes. Then Dave b.u.mped into some sort of barrier and Roger landed beside him.
”For gracious sake, what's this?” gasped Roger, when he felt able to speak. The breath had been all but knocked out of him.
”I guess we have found one of the caves,” answered Dave, grimly.
”Phew, but that was some roll, wasn't it!”
”We must be down near the center of the earth,” murmured the senator's son.
”Not quite as bad as that. But we came down some distance, I admit.”
”Flash that light around, Dave, and let us see where we are.”
”I will if the light hasn't been smashed,” replied our hero. ”I rolled over it half a dozen times.”