“It probably slipped off the string,” replied the professor, “and dropped down into the bilge. Anyway we appoint you watchman to see if anyone is spying about.”
“All right,” agreed Berwick, “but I’ve got a kind of feeling that that little devil of a Mexican ain’t far away.”
“Booh!” broke in Tom. “Didn’t we see him go up into the air with the lugger?”
“Maybe we did,” admitted Berwick gloomily, “but I don’t believe fire would ever hurt him.”
“I don’t believe he is fire proof,” declared Tom. “And even if he is that isn’t any reason why we shouldn’t have a look at the map.”
It was some time after supper before the matter was again alluded to, then they all went below to further study the chart.
Taking the precious paper from his pocket and spreading it out on the table, Jim and the professor analyzed carefully the various marks and drawings.
“We have got pretty well fixed in mind now the shape and landmarks of the island,” said Jim, when they had studied the document carefully. He then folded up the chart, putting it back in his pocket. “We should keep our eyes open when we are on shore. There are two or three landmarks that ought to help us find the cave without much difficulty if this is the place.”
“There cannot be many caves,” concluded the professor, “with entrances high above the ground as this one is described to be.”
The following morning, the day being Sunday, was spent quietly on shipboard. It had been the custom of the professor since the commencement of the voyage to have such observances of the day as seemed fitting. There was a service which he himself conducted at eleven o’clock. Thereafter, all who wished were this day allowed to go on shore.