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
old tar was looking sharply ahead and soon he gave a grunt of
satisfaction.

"What is it?" asked Anderson Rover eagerly. "I know where I am now,"
was the reply.

"And unless that earthquake knocked it skyhigh thet cave ought to be
right ahead o' us!"

CHAPTER XXVI

A DISMAYING DISCOVERY

The announcement that the treasure cave must be just ahead of them
filled the entire party with renewed energy, and regardless of the
rain, which was now coming down heavily, they pushed on behind Bahama
Bill in a close bunch, each eager to be the first to behold the sought
for spot.

There was no longer any trail, and they had to pick their way over
rough rocks and through brushwood and vines which were thick
regardless of the fact t