Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/214

198 "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 astonishing thing followed. The bushes where they landed gave way, and down they rolled on some smooth rocks. They tried to stay their