“We’d have a fat chance following this cañon in that flying boat,” remarked Ned. “Quick as they got one thing repaired, we’d crash into a spur of this ice and crack something else. I tell you, Tom, just as soon as we can, we want to get up out of this hole.”
“Reckon you are right,” agreed his chum. “Hi! See there! What is it that Koku has found?”
The giant had suddenly increased his stride, thrusting his spear forward and showing every evidence of excitement. He was several rods in advance of the remainder of the party. Tom and the others half expected to see somebody rise up to face the giant, but as they rounded a spur of ice and joined Koku there seemed to be nobody else in sight.
“What is it?” demanded Tom.
“Master see?” exclaimed the giant, and showed them what he had speared.
“Great Scott! A bean can!” cried Tom.
Ned burst into laughter. “Civilization—a sure mark!” he chortled. “Yankees have been here, you may be sure.”
Tom turned to Captain Karofsen.
“How about it, Captain? There is the label still sticking to it. Was that a brand of beans included in the stores of the Kalrye?”
“That iss idt,” rejoined the schooner captain. “They been here—yes. See that cave yonder, Misder Swift? Perhaps they have been there in that cavern.”