She thought for the hundredth time of the jeweled monkey and of the treasure supposed to be hidden away in the now ruined castle. She thought of Johnny’s ‘Rope of Gold’ and wondered if it had really existed, existed still to-day or were made of the stuff that dreams are woven from.
She thrilled as she recalled Johnny’s story of the copper-colored natives and his battle with the wild boar.
Most of all she wondered about the island which they had reached in such a strange manner. Was it a small island? Was it large? Were there many natives? Were they wild natives? Was it true that some of these natives were cannibals? It had been true long ago in the days of Columbus. Had they changed or had they clung to their primitive customs down the long centuries? She thought of Nieta and her snake-tooth charm.
“If she who has lived among white people all her life still believes in this Voodoo charm,” she thought with a shudder, “what is one to expect from the inhabitants of some small island where the white man is seldom seen?”
So she wondered and thought, and wondered again until the first flush of dawn came sifting down among the trees. Then Johnny Thompson rose to shake himself and peer into the dawn. After that they started, the three of them, through that faint but beautiful light that is a tropical morning, toward the beach, fortified with brave hearts, strong bodies and clean minds against that which the day might bring forth.
* * * * * * * *
At that very hour Curlie and Dot were leaving the garden of the chateau. They were going in search of Doris and Nieta. Dot’s father was away. There remained at their home only two aged servants. Because of the threatened revolution it was necessary that the servants remain and keep a sharp watch out for trouble.
“Father should be told of the revolution,” said Dot. “He should know, too, that Doris has disappeared. But who will find him? He is to be gone for a week. He will travel from place to place and has no definite route.
“So,” she sighed. “I guess it’s up to us to do what is to be done.”
“Count on me,” said Curlie. “Mike and I will help you.”