Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/269

Rh 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