What a base and cruel man Mr. Norton had proved himself to be! Undoubtedly he was one of the three robbers; and I could not help but shudder at the thought that he was my uncle.
The trio had now divided the diamonds and were ready to separate. If they could find a means of leaving the island, they would do so in short order; and once on the mainland it would be no easy matter to follow them. There were numerous roads, and the Bayport and Bend Center police were not of the best.
But for the present, what was to be done?
Ten minutes went by. To me it seemed a perfect age.
Suddenly the crackling of some dead leaves broke upon my ear. Was some one approaching?
I listened intently. The sound came nearer; and far behind it I heard another sound, as of the footsteps of a man.
Wondering what it could mean, I stretched my neck and peered towards the spot.
The next instant I gave a cry of horror.
Two shining eyes glared at me through an opening, and I heard the low growl of some wild animal.