It was decidedly gruesome to think of that. Involuntarily, both boys looked all about them.
“He must have left the airship at some other place,” said Ben. “There is no trace of him here. It looks as if a good many people had visited this place. If he fell with the Meteor he has been discovered.”
“What shall we do?” asked Bob.
“What can we do except to get to some settlement and report what we know, and have a search made for both the missing aviator and the Dart.”
“It’s a thousand dollars for us, what we have already discovered,” remarked Bob. “I’d give it to find the count. He must have been a fine man, for this newspaper clipping says that the reward is offered by the big International Aviation Club of New York.”
The Indian had been pacing about and looking around him in a restless uneasy way ever since they had arrived at the uncanny spot. He seemed greatly relieved to start again on the course for the settlement.
When they reached the break in the river hedge, he again displayed anxiety and seriousness.
“Run fast,” he directed.
The boys started to follow his suggestions to humor him. Half the open distance accomplished, however, Ben came to a standstill. He looked over towards the fort, like a structure on the island.
“What is it, Ben?” inquired Bob, coming back to where he stood, while with every indication of terror their guide scurried to cover.