They expected by coming so early in the morning to catch their enemies sleeping. But a discovery Harry made dispelled this idea.
He caught view of a tiny stream of smoke rising from some rocks.
Upon examining the spot, he found a natural chimney coming up through the ground, out of which the smoke was pouring.
When he returned to his partner and told him about it, he said:
"That's evidence enough that there's a cave under the island, and the column of smoke shows that Mason and the valet have started a fire to cook their breakfast. When we get in, we are likely to find them at that occupation. Are you ready for the attempt?"
"Certainly," assented Young King Brady.
They walked over to the hut, and entered.
Nick had explained where the trap was located, and they soon found a cunningly hidden ring, and pulled it upward.
A door, covered with earth, was raised.
It revealed a flight of damp stone stairs.