to reach the ledge was to climb the tree and try to drag
the vine from the ledge, and Ralph volunteered to do this.

It was not much of a task, and when the vine had been drawn down he
moved out on the limb and easily stepped on the ledge of the nearest
rock, and then drew over the vine so the boys could readily reach the
main ledge.

Blakely was the last to gain the top, and he led the way around the
first projecting rock. The view from this point was a charming one.

"Look to the east," cried Ralph; "see Unity beyond; isn't this fine?"

The boys now understood why this was a desirable place for Blakely. It
appeared to be absolutely safe from either animals or man.

"How did you ever happen to find this place?" asked Tom.

"Simply by accident--the fact is, I stumbled on it. I mean that
literally. You see there is only one point higher than this. That is
directly above this ledge. I went up the hill from the forest side, and
came out to the point, and, missing my footing, fell down to this ledge,
and discovered that the only way I could get out was by the vine
ladder."

"What is that?" exclaimed Will, springing back, and pointing to an
object in front.

Blakely started forward like a shot, and moved around the main point
from which Will came. The boys followed. Directly ahead, and on the
ledge in front of the recess were two skeletons. The boys were shocked
at the sight, and the Professor stopped and intently examined them.

"Some one made this his home after I left it, that is sure. Here are
things I never saw."

"Was this your gun?" asked Jim, as he picked up a rusty weapon.

"Yes," replied Blakely, in great excitement. "But how did it get here? I
had it with me when I was captured the first time."

He looked at the Professor in amazement, and then began a minute search
of the articles scattered about, and lying in the little coves within
the main recess. Here were found a sextant, several knives, some coins,
a bunch of keys, a package of letters, written in German, a revolver,
but no ammunition, various articles of clothing, all in the last stages
of decay and eaten with holes by insects.

But the condition of the skeletons caused the greatest speculation. They
were lying near together, and there was no indication of a struggle
between them. One was lying with the head resting on a mass of molding
leaves, and this was drawn aside and examined.

[Illustration: _Fig. 18. The Mysterious Message._]

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