that the Merrick party had started
for the north side of the isle. They waited in silence until all were
well out of hearing.

"I am glad we are rid of them--at least for the time being," said
Anderson Rover. "Now we can continue the treasure hunt in peace."

"But dem fellers will be suah to come back," interposed Aleck.

"I know that, Aleck, but they won't come back right away. Evidently
they are returning to their vessel to get that Spaniard, Doranez."

"I'd like to have punched Merrick's head for tying me up," growled Tom.

"It will be punishment enough for him if we get the treasure," answered
Mr. Rover.

"If we do."

"You are not ready to give up yet, are you, Tom?"

"Oh, no. But finding that treasure isn't going to be as easy as I
thought."

"We ought to be able to find some trace of the cave pretty soon--the
isle is so small. If the isle was large it would be a different
matter."

They decided to advance, some of the party skirting the swamp in one
direction and some in another. It was difficult work and they did not
wonder that Merrick and his party had given up in disgust. Occasionally
they had to wade in water up to their ankles and then climb through
brushwood that was all but impassible. They tore their clothing more
than once, and scratches were numerous.

The sun had been shining brightly, but now, as if to add to their
misery, it went under some heavy clouds, casting a deep gloom over the
jungle.

"We are goin' to have a storm," said Bahama Bill. "An' when it comes I
reckon it will be a lively one. I remember onct, when I was on the
island o' Cuby, we got a hurricane that come putty nigh to sweepin'
everything off the place. It took one tree up jest whar I was standin'
an' carried it 'bout half a mile out into the ocean. Thet tree struck
the foremast o' a brig at anchor an' cut it off clean as a whistle.
Some o' the sailors thought the end o' the world was comin'."

"They certainly do have some heavy hurricanes down here," remarked
Anderson Rover. "But let us hope we'll escape all such, even though we
get a wetting," he added, as he felt a few drops of rain.

Soon it was raining steadily, and when they reached a spot clear of
trees they got soaked to the skin. But as it was very warm they did not
mind this.

"It's like taking a bath without troubling about undressing," said Tom,
and this remark caused a smile.

They were now in a bunch once more, with Bahama Bill leading them. The
ol