Part 42 (2/2)

Selecting several strong vines, he twisted them into a rope, and then pa.s.sed the same around a tree-trunk and to the back of his waist. Then he took off his shoes and stockings and placed his bare feet against the tree. By ”hiking” the rope a few inches at a time, he was able to ”walk up the tree” with comparative ease.

As soon as the branches were reached, Dave discarded the rope and went up as far as the strength of the tree would permit. He was now close enough to the top to get a good look around, and he cast his eyes about eagerly, hoping to catch sight of some of his friends, or their campfire.

”See anything?” called up Merwell, eagerly.

”Not yet,” answered Dave, and then he turned around in the tree-top.

He now made out the rolling sea.

”I see a light!” he cried.

”A campfire?” queried the youth below.

”No, it is on the water. I think it must be a light on a s.h.i.+p.”

”What kind of a s.h.i.+p?”

”A sailing vessel of some sort,” answered Dave, and he wondered if it could be the _Golden Eagle_, coming back after the storm.

”Maybe it's the s.h.i.+p that was coming back for those Englishmen,” went on Merwell, for Dave had told him about the men. He heaved a mountainous sigh as he realized how affairs had turned against him.

For a moment he thought of running away and trying to find Jasniff, but then the darkness and loneliness of the forest appalled him. He felt that he would rather be a prisoner than be alone in such a spot.

Dave watched the waving light for some time, as it rose and fell on the bosom of the ocean, but could learn nothing concerning the craft that showed it. Then he continued to look around the island. No campfire was to be located, and finally he rejoined Merwell.

”The light on that s.h.i.+p was all I saw,” he said. ”Perhaps it might pay to walk down to the sh.o.r.e in that direction. But it is a long distance, and in the darkness we might fall into another of the caves.”

”Let us stay here,” answered Merwell.

”It will probably be as well. We can build a campfire and dry our clothing and then go to bed.”

”Wish I had something to eat,” grumbled the lad who had been caught.

”So do I, Link. But we haven't anything, so we'll have to make the best of it. Try to find some firewood. Luckily I have a waterproof matchsafe along and it is full of matches,” added our hero.

Fate was kinder to them than they had expected, for in hunting for firewood, Merwell found a hole containing what they took to be native hares. He killed two of the creatures, and at once set to work to clean and skin them. Then, when Dave had started the fire, the game was broiled while the boys had their clothing drying.

”Not much of a meal, but better than nothing,” said Merwell, and our hero agreed with him. They found some water in a hollow of the rocks, left there by the hurricane, and had a drink, after which both lay down to rest.

”Don't you think we ought to stand guard?” asked the big youth.

”Oh, I don't know,” replied Dave. ”I am dead tired and so are you, and I don't think anybody will come to harm us,-and there are no large wild beasts on the island. I guess we can take a chance,” and as soon as their clothing was dry, both turned in, on beds of vines and moss.

In the morning Merwell was the first to stir, and when Dave awoke he found the campfire burning merrily. The big youth was nowhere to be seen.

”Can he have run away?” mused our hero, and quickly felt to learn if the money-belt with the jewels was safe. It was still in its place and he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he gave a call.

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