“What is it?” The younger boy came to a sudden halt.
“We’ll see.” There came the snap of Pant’s flashlight.
The next instant, as if pushed by a sudden force, they all fell back. Before them, drawn up on the beach, with paddles crossed over the seat, was a light canoe.
Staring with all their eyes, they stood there expecting any moment to see the mysterious canoeist emerge from the dim distance beyond.
Not knowing what to think, Pant stood at attention. As he did so, a strange chattering struck his ears. Wheeling about, he discovered the cause. The black giant’s teeth were chattering. Once more he was shaking from head to foot. His face was almost white with fear.
CHAPTER III
A STRANGE DARK ROOM
Not knowing what else to do as he stood before the canoe, Pant laughed. The laugh did not ring quite true, but it served the purpose for which it was intended. It broke the spell.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s see.”
A few strides and he stood beside the mysterious craft.
“Dust,” he said, dragging his fingers across the seat. “Probably been here for a hundred, two hundred years.”