it. The
longing to know what the other side of the island contained was an
ever-constant inquiry. Something must be done to forward their efforts
in that direction.

During the four weeks at home a good supply of provisions had been
gathered, and now the plans were made for an overland journey. The
wrecked boat was still near the mouth of West River. It would be a
week's trip to bring it home, and this was not considered advisable,
particularly as the monsoons were still blowing, with greater or less
violence and frequency.

It may well be imagined that the boys had not forgotten the cave. It was
their constant talk by day and their dreams at night. It had a
fascination which was constantly drawing them in that direction, but,
singularly, they never entered it. But one day George suggested that
they make a search on their own account. Harry quickly assented, and
taking up the two lamps, together with their weapons, were soon at the
entrance.

They cautiously went down the stone steps and directed their way to the
recess where the treasure was deposited. The skeletons had been buried
on a previous visit, so they did not have that grim recollection to
ponder over.

What interested them most was the chamber to the east which had been
examined by the Professor, and to that they made their way. During the
first two hundred feet the direction was to the east, or nearly so, and
then the walls suddenly turned to the right, and here a sight met their
eyes which bewildered them.

The chamber was a gorgeous one, not so large as the one in which the
pirates had their booty, but the calcareous hangings on the walls were
far superior and possessed greater decorative effect. From a point near
the center of the cavern, they turned and examined all sides, and to the
south was what appeared to be an outlet, and this was approached.

They moved nearer with a silent tread, as though fearing the ghosts of
the past century would rise to receive them. They saw a recess, cut like
a room in the side of the walls, symmetrical in form, and fitted with
all the comforts and luxuries that humanity could wish, but it was
crumbled, and crumbling, and everything fell at the touch.

Here, scattered about, were the remains of a table, and among its
crumbled ruins were gold and silver vessels. There was a mass of debris,
among which could be recognized articles of human manufacture and use,
but all covered with the everlasting carbonate of lime,