“Perhaps there’s some secret way of getting from the shore to this place—some trail over and between the rocks of which we know nothing. Anyway, the thirteen rocks are here.”
“I wish we had seen those photographs the old sailor talked about. Then we’d know in a minute whether this was really the place or not.”
Had the rocks been less dangerous to climb, both of the boys would have tried to descend to the center of the rocky bowl in a quest of the pirates’ treasure. But they realized that it would be extremely dangerous to attempt to approach that place from where they stood, and so, rather regretfully, they turned their backs on the thirteen high-pointed rocks and continued their search for some means of reaching the little bay where they had left their raft.
“Gee, this is certainly some island to be on,” was Randy’s comment, as they moved forward slowly and cautiously, testing every foothold to make certain that it was secure. “Wild animals and a pirates’ treasure!”
“It would sound exciting to read about,” commented the young major. “Just the same, I’d like to be out of this mess, Randy.”
“So would I. And just think of the folks at home! How they must be worried about us!”
“Yes, but there is something even worse than that. Think of Ralph, Gif and Spouter.”
“I’m thinking about them every day, Jack. Life at Colby Hall won’t be the same with Gif and Spouter gone. And Ralph certainly was a fine fellow.”
It was growing dark when the two Rover boys at last reached a point where getting down to the eastern shore of the bay was comparatively easy. By this time they were all but exhausted from their efforts, and both resolved to break through a short bit of the jungle in an endeavor to reach the raft.