“By the way, Salloo,” said Jack abruptly, “how about that ghost that is supposed to haunt the cave?”
“Me no know. Me——”
“Look, look, the ghost!” cried Raynor suddenly. He pointed straight in front of him at the fall.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Jack as he too perceived an apparition that appeared to rise out of the waters. Salloo fell flat on his face in terror and so did the two old natives, who had been their guides.
“Don’t talk nonsense,” said Mr. Jukes sharply. “I see nothing. I—for heaven’s sake!”
Out of the mist of the pool he had seen advancing toward him as he stepped forward the gigantic form of a man. Then he glanced again.
The ghost was Mr. Jukes himself, who certainly had nothing spiritualistic about him. The explanation of the queer sight struck the boys and the millionaire at the same instant. The sun, shining through the rift, was reflected upon the wet rock which in turn projected their figures against the watery mist that hung above the pool.
“And so that’s the ghost that’s been scaring the natives to death,” said Jack. “Get up, Salloo, and I’ll show you how the trick is done.”
After a brief demonstration the Malay was satisfied, but the two old men were unconvinced. They mumbled and were ill at ease till that part of the cave was left behind.
“Hullo, here’s a path leading up past the waterfall,” cried Jack suddenly.