Terry burst out. “They’ve kept us out of Joe’s clutches. He and Bud were trying to put us on an uninhabited island. And Pedro, the Big Chief, hid us away and fooled him. The natives saved our lives!”
“Some day,” said Prim with a laugh, “I’m going to send a whole barrel of presents down for them, beads and candy and brightly colored calico. They’d love it!”
“But when do we go and how?” asked Syd. “I won’t feel safe until we get away from this island. Do you think there is any chance of getting Skybird? Joe won’t give that plane up without a fight.”
“He isn’t going to put up a fight for that plane,” answered Terry. “When we heard you coming, we were just on our way to get her.”
“Joe is down there!” cried Prim triumphantly, pointing at the opening to the cave, near which a huge black was sitting, fingering a knife menacingly. “And as you see, he’s under a strong guard! He and Bud are both prisoners down there.”
“Prisoners! Where?” asked Syd.
“It’s the most wonderful prison in the world! It’s a crystal cave! The roof is of sparkling emeralds, rubies and sapphires. It’s beautiful!” Terry explained with sparkling eyes.
“Yes, you ought to see it, boys!” interrupted Prim.
“We’ll save that for the next trip. Much as I’d like to see a crystal cave, I think my pleasure would be all spoiled if I had to share the view with Joe Arnold,” answered Allan.
At that moment Pedro came running up the trail. He had seen another plane arriving and feared that Joe and Bud might be rescued by some friends. His white teeth showed in a broad smile when he saw the girls happy.