"Not a man missing," was the reply.
"Have you talked with the man who was sent to the hut to wait on the Lieutenant and his companions?"
"Only briefly," was the reply, "but he will be at the hut when we get there. He is rather above the average native in intelligence, and may be able to throw some light on the mystery."
"Is he dependable?" asked Ned.
"I think so. He has been with me for a long time, ever since I came to this out-of-the-way jumping-off place."
"Well," Ned said, "you go back to the hut, if you will be so kind, and take the boys with you. I want to look about a little."
Captain Godwin hesitated, but Jack started away.
"Let Ned alone," he said. "He'll be giving us the shape of the aeroplane the Lieutenant and his men sailed away in before long!"
"He wants to consult the dream book," added Jimmie.
Frank Shaw, who had been sitting on the bridge deck of the Manhattan during this conversation, now sprang ashore and followed along after Ned.