Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/219

Rh for them," he said, and Roger agreed, and they started off.

They had covered less than a quarter of a mile when they came in sight of a campfire, well-hidden between the rough rocks back from the water's edge. Around the campfire were huddled the forms of several men, evidently sailors.

"Perhaps those men are from the Emma Brower," said Dave, in a low tone.

"I don't see anything of Captain Sanders and Phil," remarked the senator's son.

"No. And yet they must have seen this campfire, if they came this way. What can it mean, Dave?"

"I don't know."

"Shall we go up to the campfire and talk to those fellows? "

"I don't see why not. I am not afraid of them."

"Do you see anybody that looks like Jasniff or Merwell?"

"No, those fellows are all plain sailors, by their outfits."

Dave continued to advance and Roger followed, and neither halted until he was within the glow of the campfire. Then Dave called out:

"Hello, messmates!"

At this cry the four sailors around the fire sprang to their feet. At a glance Dave and Roger