The point they had selected for their anchorage was directly west of Point aux Outardes, and when the moon rose the boys naturally turned their eyes in that direction. Although the point was fully four miles away, a rocky promontory could be seen standing sharply out against the dark line of the forest.
“Captain,” Alex said, as they sat back of the gunwale on the prow, “I wish you’d take this glass and see what you can discover on that point.”
Captain Joe took the glass into his hand and held it for a long time, swinging it back and forth over the shore to the north, and over the river line of Cartier island. Then he handed it back to Alex.
“I’ll tell you,” he said slowly, “there’s a campfire over on the point, and there are many people around it. At least I see figures moving back and forth.”
“Perhaps that is a base of supplies for the fellows who are trying to find the lost channel in order to beat Fontenelle to the charter and the family jewels,” Clay suggested.
“It doesn’t seem as if they would camp in so conspicuous a place.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Case said, “they have nothing to fear from officers or wreckers. They are only hunting for a lost treasure, which any one may find who is lucky enough to get to it.”
“Let’s go and call on them,” suggested Alex.
“I prefer to live a little longer,” Case laughed.
“Aw, come on, they won’t hurt us,” Alex argued, “I’m going.”