“I agree with you,” responded Jack. “I’ve lost that medal somewhere, too.”
“Ye Gods!” gravely replied Rutley, with an alarmed look. “If it falls into the hands of a detective, it may serve as a clue. Curious, too. I recall now that the dog didn’t bark or growl when I approached the cabin.”
“I wonder!” exclaimed Jack. “Maybe Snooks has got loose and is wandering about the island. We had better make sure.”
Setting the bottle and tumbler on the table, he opened the cabin door and stepped somewhat unsteadily on the platform. Closing the door, he peered shoreward, then softly whistled. After listening intently, and hearing nothing, he called, in a low voice:
“Snooks! Snooks!” Receiving no response, and being unable to identify shapeless objects on the shore, through the darkness, he re-entered the cabin, quietly as possible, and with a concerned look on his face.
“I believe the dog has got away. I’ll go ashore and investigate.”
“I’ll go with you,” assured Rutley. “Jack, better see that the child’s asleep.”
Jack took the lamp from the bracket, opened the partition door, looked in at the sleeping child, and closed the door as gently as he had opened it. “Sound asleep,” he whispered. Then he replaced the lamp, blew out the light, and made his way out onto the platform, accompanied by Rutley.
Quietly they stepped into a small boat, fastened to the logs, and pushed off towards the shore.
It was then Jack remembered that he had not locked the door, and wanted to return for that purpose, but Rutley demurred.