However, the problem was soon solved for them, as, when they had proceeded a little farther the mist lifted and they had a clear view of the stream as it foamed along below.
“But I don’t see anything of the boat, and the three men who were in it,” observed Bob, peering downward through the window in the cabin floor.
“No. Either by this time they have been carried many miles down the river, or they are—drowned,” spoke Jerry softly.
“Well, then let’s keep a lookout for Snake Island,” suggested Ned, and, knowing that they must be within a comparatively short distance of the place, if it was there at all, they all watched eagerly, even Professor Snodgrass laying aside his note-books.
Bob served dinner and the watch was resumed. It was about two o’clock when the stout lad, who had just finished getting the galley in order, looked over the port rail on the bow of the air craft. No sooner had he glimpsed the river below him than he called out:
“Here we are, fellows! There she is! We’re here at last! Now for the radium! There’s Snake Island. We’re right over it!”
“Say, you’re as bad as Andy Rush!” cried Jerry as he hurried out of the pilot house, to join his chum.
“Well, if it’s true, we’ll forgive him for making such a fuss,” suggested Ned. “But say, I believe he’s right, after all!”
“And if it is the island, oh! how I hope my two-tailed toad may be there!” cried the professor.
There could be little doubt but that they were looking at Snake island. Down below them, in a comparatively calm stretch of the river, was a long and rather narrow strip of land, low on the edges, and rising abruptly in the middle. There was a big mound, like a great hill, covered with trees and bushes, and, in the center of this was the tall, curiously shaped tower of rock about which the guide had spoken.