"First by the peculiarity, that it had two entrances, on opposite sides of a hill, and secondly, by the singular internal arrangement, which stated that within the corridors and the chambers constituted a cross, and the treasures were to be found at the extremities of the cross limbs, within the two large chambers."
"Then you knew of the existence of this island, before you sailed?"
"No; the chart merely described the characteristics of the caverns, but stated they were located on islands in the South Seas."
"Do you think our cave here is one of them?"
"I do not think so, as I do not recall any description which would fit this cave, except the two entrances, and that is not uncommon."
"The chart stated that there was another cave fifteen leagues to the southeast of that cave, which also contained treasure, and that was the principal reason why I traveled in that direction, and thus found myself in the savage-inhabited part of the island."
"Fifteen leagues? How far would that be?"
"Forty-five miles."
Nothing more was needed as a stimulus for the boys. They had truly been thrown on an island of wonder.
"Why is it," asked Ralph, "that so much of the treasure of the world was hidden in these out-of-the-way places by the pirates?"