wo hours."

"Then don't let us waste a moment's time," said Harry.

"I thought you might want to take a look over the town," said Blakely.

"I have no wish to do so, as long as we have the islands in view,"
remarked George. "And how is the Professor," he continued in an eager
tone.

"He is well and happy. But I have no doubt he longs for you, as he
frequently goes over to your rooms, and wanders around the shop, a thing
which he never did while you were there."

This was joyful news to the boys. How they longed to sail up Enterprise
River. The steamer which Blakely had bought, and which was destined to
ply between Wonder Island and the nearest trans-shipping point, was
called the _Wonder_, a thing which the boys had not noticed until they
were nearing the vessel.

It was a saucy little steamer, and as they drew near Blakely said: "What
speed do you think she will make?"

"Fifteen miles at least," remarked Harry.

"I am guaranteed eighteen miles an hour at the least."

"Isn't that fine," said George. "What does she burn?"

"Either wood, coal or petroleum."

"Now would be the time to look up the oil deposits on the island,"
remarked Harry.

Within an hour the ship was under way, greatly to the delight of the
boys.

Notwithstanding the ship was sent forward under full steam, the speed
was far too slow for the impatient boys. They were on the bridge most of
the time with the Captain who had been employed to run the vessel. He
proved to be a jolly, red-faced tar, who loved the antics of the boys.

CHAPTER IV

THE SKULL WITH THE CRYPTIC WRITING

It was at the latter part of May when the _Wonder_ steamed up the broad
river which led to the town of Unity. When they were within two miles of
the town, where they could begin to see the beautiful white houses in
the distance, Blakely came up to the bridge, and suggested that it would
be time to give the town a salute.

The Captain gave the order and the great whistle began to make a
horrible din, and kept it up for a full half mile. Long before the boat
came into sight of the dock itself the boys could see the people of the
town hurrying down to the wharf.

When they saw the boys on the bridge pandemonium was let loose.

"This looks and acts just like a real American town," said Harry.

"See the Professor," said Harry, as he rushed to the end of the bridge,
and frantically waved his hat.

The plank was swung and fastened, and the crew of natives r