"Yes."
"Then let us explore the cave thoroughly."
This they did, penetrating into the cavern and examining every recess as they advanced, till the daylight which filtered in was insufficient to allow them to continue their search.
"Where's his lamp? I know the pater let him have one."
"I saw it on a ledge close to the entrance. Have you any matches?"
Andy had; matches were becoming scarce on McKay's Island, and whenever possible a burning glass was used for obtaining fire. Being, in this case, without his magnifying glass, Andy had to use one of the precious hoard of matches that he kept in a watertight gun-metal case, and lighting the lamp the two explorers resumed their search.
"He's gone right enough," exclaimed Terence, as they "drew blank."
"But where? And how?"
"Goodness only knows. Let's run back and tell the others."
Mr. McKay was greatly upset at the news, and seizing a light rifle he strode off towards the prisoner's quarters, accompanied by the three lads.