However, Frank proposed that they should return to the spot where the camp had been made and look for some sign of the missing mariner.
It was easy to follow the trail over the rocks which was marked with Barney’s blood.
Then they came upon the camp. It presented only a few burned fagots and a heap of ashes.
Nicodemus was gone. He had left no visible trail.
This was strange enough.
Pomp had now come on deck and assisted Frank and Barney. But not the slightest clew could be found.
There were various hypotheses to be advanced. It was possible that the captain, being suddenly awakened by the appearance of the panther, had taken fright and incontinently fled. That in the darkness he had lost his way and was somewhere in the region aimlessly wandering about.
It was not at all likely that he had been killed, devoured, or dragged away by any wild beast as had Barney, else some trace would have been left behind.
A deeper mystery could hardly be imagined. But there was no time to lose.
The air-ship proceeded to skirt the mountain side, and every cranny and nook was explored.