t along with the treasure. Whoever found it thought they weren't
worth taking, so they were just thrown to one side."

"Why was the chest locked again?" asked John.

"I don't know, I'm sure," laughed Grant. "I give up."

"Not at all," exclaimed Fred. "Don't say that. We can at least try to
make out this code. That will give us something to do and I guess we are
going to have plenty of time on our hands before we get away from here."
As he finished speaking he turned to scan the horizon, but nothing was
in sight save the endless expanse of ocean. As far as appearances went
they might have been alone in the world. The occasional note of a bird
and the soft murmur of the waves as they caressed the beach below were
the only sounds to be heard.

"Yes, I guess we will," said Grant. "As you say, we can at least try to
decipher it."

"I'm no good at such things," exclaimed George. "I don't believe I ever
worked out a puzzle in all my life."

"That doesn't say you can't do this, though, does it?" demanded Grant.

"Oh, no. Perhaps I'll get an idea some day and work the whole thing out
for you."

"I have an idea right now," said John.

"Better tell us what it is, quick," urged George. "You may lose it."

"I am not like some other people I know," said John loftily.

To this remark George made no intelligible answer, though he muttered
something under his breath. "I'm glad of it," was what two of his
companions made out his reply to be.

"What's your idea, String?" asked Grant.

"I say to take possession of this cave and live here."

"That's a good scheme," exclaimed Fred heartily. "Let's go and get our
few belongings just as soon as we can and bring them up here."

"A fine idea," agreed George. "String, I didn't think you knew so much."

"That proves that you know very little yourself, then," replied John
scornfully.

"Ha, ha. Good one, String," cried Fred laughingly. "Give him another."

"He is not worth bothering about," said John. "Let's get our things."

Down the side of the hill they scrambled, slipping and sliding down the
steep decline. They came to the bottom in safety, however, and it was
not long before they reached the spot where the baggage had been left.

"Where's Sam?" exclaimed Grant. "He certainly can't be sleeping still."

"There he is," said Fred, pointing down the beach.

"What's he got in his hand?" said George curiously. "It looks like a
knife."

"Where could he get a knife?" exclaime