“Oh, let us take a peep into the cave first,” cried Phil. “It looks as if it was inhabited.”
The others were willing, and lighting a firebrand that was handy, they entered the cavern. In front they found the opening to be broad and low, but in the rear the ceiling was much higher and there were several passageways leading in as many different directions.
“What an island!” murmured Roger. “Why, one could spend a year in visiting all the caves!”
“It’s like a great, big sponge!” returned Phil. “Holes everywhere!”
“Take care that you don’t slip down into some opening!” warned Captain Sanders.
In one of the passages they came across the remains of a meal and also some empty bottles. Then Dave saw some bits of paper strewn over the rocky floor.
“What are they, Phil?” he asked, and then both commenced to pick the pieces up. Roger helped, while the captain held the firebrand.
“Well, of all things!” cried the shipowner’s son. “Now what do you make of this?”
“The chart!” cried Dave.
“Yes!”