"Tom ought to be back by now," said Andy anxiously. "He's had plenty of time to get a dozen cameras I Whatever is he doing?"
Nobody knew. They sat there on the chilly beach, anxious and worried. If only, only Tom would come back! Nobody would scold him. Nobody would grumble at him. They just wanted him to come.
"I should think he's been caught," said Andy at last. "There can't be any other reason why he's not back. Now we're in a pretty fix! No Tom—and no boat!"
Chapter 14
A Prisoner in the Cave
What had happened to Tom? A great many things. He had rowed safely to the beach where the caves lay hidden in the cliff behind. He had dragged the boat up the sand and had gone into the first cave. He stumbled through the rocky archway and into the queer Round Cave, which was so full of food.
He had no torch, so he had to feel around in the dark for his camera. It took him a long time to find it.
"Where did I put it?" wondered the boy anxiously. "Oh, if only I had a match!"
But he hadn't. He felt over tins and boxes-and at last his hand-fell on the box-like shape of his camera, safe in its waterproof covering!
"Good," Tom thought. "Now I'll just rush down to the boat and row back. I really must be quick or the others will be worried."