Then Sir Arthur uttered a loud shout, which speedily wakened his companions.
"What's wrong?" cried the colonel anxiously. "Did some one call? I surely heard a noise."
"I want a drink, that's all," said Sir Arthur. "I heard someone down at the canoes and supposed it was Canaris. Was it you, Carrington?"
"No, certainly not," exclaimed the colonel, now thoroughly awake. "Here, Chutney, Forbes, pass me a match, quick. I have none about me."
They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting the torch which he kept always by his side.
Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter.
"One canoe is missing!" he cried despairingly.
"What, you don't mean it!" exclaimed Forbes. "How can that be possible?"
"It's gone," said Guy blankly. "No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the keel leading down to the water. That's not the worst of it, though. Half our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil-flask as well."
"By Jove, Chutney, it's that savage who has done this," cried Melton. "It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the scoundrel's presence in the cavern."