Just at this moment the canoe containing Chot and Hoki came softly around the end of the island. For a moment Truem was uncertain as to whether the new arrivals were friends or enemies. Then he recognized the outlines of Fleet’s canoe, and a feeling of relief swept over him.
“Sh!” he called, in a low tone, as the canoe came up to the bank. “They’ve just entered the passage.”
“Did you see where it was?” asked Chot.
“Yes.”
“Did they leave a guard in their boat?”
“No.”
“Wait a second, then. Hoki, you stay here. Sit still and hold the canoe to the bank, for I may come back in a hurry.” Chot leaped ashore as he spoke. “Come on, Truem; show me where they went and perhaps I can help you bottle them up.”
“This way,” said Truem, as he moved silently up the shore to the point where he had seen the men disappear.
“Wait, now,” said Chot. “I’ve got a little pocket light that I found in the lodge. I believe we’ll be safe in using it.”
But almost as he spoke both he and Truem observed something which caused them to stare in silent amazement. A crack of yellow light was to be seen among the vines, and pushing them aside, they saw a long, straight passage leading on a slight incline toward the lodge. On the ceiling was a row of lights which made the passageway almost as light as day.