And so they listened and watched.
The matter of scouting the island was finally settled by all agreeing to go in a body.
So the four brave men got themselves into line and began beating around through the brush, but they found nothing.
“No one here, thank fortune,” said one of the robbers; “that canoe has drifted there sometime ’r other.”
“Then let’s bring it ashore,” said another, whereupon they all returned to the canoe.
One of their number now lit a lantern, which sent a red beam of light across the island. Two of the men then took up a dark object from the canoe, and following the one with the lantern, advanced toward the interior of the island.
“Here’s the spot,” said the robber with the light, stopping directly under the tree in which our friends were ensconced.
The two with the burden advanced and placed it on the ground at the foot of the tree.
Our friends started with a shudder at what they saw.
It was a beautiful, silver-mounted coffin!