The Wonder Island Boys: The Mysteries of the Caverns

by Roger T. Finlay

During the second day they did not, on account of this, cover more than ten miles, and near the close of the day a second falls was reached, showing that they were going up to a much higher altitude. Above the falls the river turned abruptly to the south, and within five miles of it the river forked, one branch going south and the other southwest.

They were on the branch going west, and that course was followed, but still the country was rough, and now became thickly wooded, which added to the discomfort of traveling with a team. Magnificent trees grew on every side, and in most places sprang up clear to the water's edge.

"You have here a good illustration," remarked the Professor, "as to the source of the debris which is found on the shores of the island. The streams carry down the logs, trees and leaves, which, after being washed out to sea, are finally left along the beaches."

Our voyagers had passed many nights in the forests before, but this was the first time they had come across such impenetrable jungles. The large trees were actually so close together at many places that the wagon had to be backed and worked around for long distances to enable them to make any forward movements.

Before noon of the third day it became so discouraging that they stopped to consider the situation. Possibly a route away from the river would be much better, and that course was decided on, so that the direction agreed on was west, with a slight trend to the north.

The reason why the course along the river would be the most direct was judged from the fact that the lights, which they saw from their boat, made the location of the savages fully fifty miles or over from the northernmost cape where they had been cast ashore a few weeks before.

The travel must, therefore, be to the southwest, and not to the west, but at the rate they were going, with every hour more difficult, it was hoped that the new course would in the end be quicker. All of that day the struggle was a strenuous one, and when night came all were exhausted, and were ready to retire as soon as the meal was over.

They were in the midst of the thickest forest, and up to this time all had retired, as they did on this occasion. The yaks were enclosed in a railing made of small trees, so as to protect them, and the two mattresses within the covered body made comfortable beds for all.

Strange sounds occasionally disturbed them, but caused no particular alarm, until Angel began to grow restless, about two in the morning. George tried to quiet him, but he persisted in giving the alarm. Suddenly a howl and a shriek awoke the occupants of the wagon and as each arose he instinctively grasped a weapon. The sounds came from two animals, one of which was close by; the other at a greater distance.

"The one near us seems to be a wildcat, or an animal which utters a characteristic shriek of that kind, but I am not sure as to the identity of the other animal," remarked the Professor, as he listened intently to the hideous howls and shrieks.