Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/213



" 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 button 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 ashore in that boat. Those six may have been carrying others."

"Shall we set up a shout?"