"Look to the east," cried Ralph; "see Unity beyond; isn't this fine?"
The boys now understood why this was a desirable place for Blakely. It appeared to be absolutely safe from either animals or man.
"How did you ever happen to find this place?" asked Tom.
"Simply by accident—the fact is, I stumbled on it. I mean that literally. You see there is only one point higher than this. That is directly above this ledge. I went up the hill from the forest side, and came out to the point, and, missing my footing, fell down to this ledge, and discovered that the only way I could get out was by the vine ladder."
"What is that?" exclaimed Will, springing back, and pointing to an object in front.
Blakely started forward like a shot, and moved around the main point from which Will came. The boys followed. Directly ahead, and on the ledge in front of the recess were two skeletons. The boys were shocked at the sight, and the Professor stopped and intently examined them.
"Some one made this his home after I left it, that is sure. Here are things I never saw."
"Was this your gun?" asked Jim, as he picked up a rusty weapon.
"Yes," replied Blakely, in great excitement. "But how did it get here? I had it with me when I was captured the first time."