t a sign of living beings within the scope of the light beams.

The company moved over to the spot indicated. A moment's examination
satisfied them that it was really the abode of the Korinos, but they had
disappeared.

The debris, the half eaten portions of food, some still warm, were
sufficient to indicate that they had fled, but where? Uraso, Muro and
John, all three, flashed their lights, and, after examining the walls
critically, Muro was the first to find the opening from the chamber in
which they were standing.

The outlet from the chamber was to the north, and toward it the
explorers ran hurriedly, and passed along the contracted path, which
soon turned to the left. After following its many windings, and
scrambling over the broken and rocky floor, they saw ahead a streak of
daylight, which gladdened the hearts of the boys.

"Ah! they have gone," exclaimed John, as he emerged, and glanced across
the ravine, and along the walls which extended up from the shore of a
little stream below. "They have gone to the north, and have, probably,
tried to seek safety in the other cave."

"How are we going to get back?" asked George.

"Do you think there will be any trouble in that?" asked John.

"We shall have to go clear over the mountain for that, I'm afraid."

[Illustration: _Fig. 9. The Cave on Rescue Island._]

"We are not far from the entrance," said John, "and if we intend to
catch up with the Korinos, we must not delay for a moment."

The party made a hurried trip around the hill, and the Chief was
surprised to learn that there was another entrance, or an outlet to the
cave on the northern side. None of his warriors was aware of this,
however.

John was now in a quandary. He was exceedingly anxious to secure the
Korinos, but at the same time there was some things in the appearance of
the cave that he wished to investigate. This was confided to Uraso and
Muro, and the latter suggested that he and Uraso would undertake to
follow the fleeing men, and return to the village, while John and the
boys made the desired investigation.

This was readily assented to, and they at once made their way across the
hill, while John informed the Chief of the action which they had decided
to take. One of the principal men of the village, in whom the Chief had
confidence, and who knew the location of the upper caves, accompanied
Uraso and Muro.

The Chief, and those with him returned to the village, while John
remained beh