"I have another reason for this careful examination," remarked the Professor, as he was intently engaged in making notes on the board tablets. "It may be likely that the chamber has more than one outlet and if so, we must explore it also. Of course, I am most interested in the outlet to the south."
A circuit was made until they reached the outlet to the south, which Harry had discovered when the light on the ledge disappeared. The water throughout the cavern within the chamber was not over eight feet deep, and at the outlet to the south he could not touch bottom with the twelve-foot pole they carried. This outlet was contracted, and, judging from the width of the boat, could not be more than eight feet across, but it gradually widened, and the waters became shallower as they advanced.
George, who was in the bow, held up his hand as a warning. "Stop!" was all he said. All peered forward. The lights threw their beams forwardly through a broadening channel, beyond which appeared to be white forms ranged along the opposite wall.
"What depth have you, Harry?" asked the Professor, without seeming at all concerned.
"About five feet."
"Move straight ahead, until I tell you to stop."
The pole was thrust down and the boat moved forwardly fully fifty feet before a halt was called.
"I think we are now in the middle of this chamber. Before exploring it let us make a thorough examination of its characteristics."
"Look at those wonderful icicles hanging from the roof!" George gazed on them with wonder and admiration. Harry, on the other hand, with the utilitarian idea in his mind, inquired: "Why couldn't all that chalk be utilized for making plaster?"
"That product is used in the arts, but it costs too much to transport it from the places where it is found in its natural state, as science has found a much cheaper way of producing it from limestone."
"Are all these rocks limestone?"
"Beyond question. Only a few of the caves so far found are in any other formation than limestone."
"What kind of cave are those?"
"Where they have been produced by volcanic action. There the walls are of volcanic rock."
"Why is it that these underground channels are formed in this way?"
"They are formed by the erosive action of the water wearing out the softer portions of the rock beneath a harder roof or wall. This action is brought about by carbonic acid acting on the rock and producing what is called carbonate of lime, and the stalactites and stalagmites found in all these caverns are of that material."
"What is the difference between the two names you have just mentioned?"
"Stalactite means trickling or dropping, and as applied to these formations it means conical or cylindrical accretions of the carbonate. Stalagmite is the term used to designate the calcareous formations found on the floors of caverns, which are usually the droppings from the roof."
"Where are most of the caves found?"
"They occur most frequently along rocky shores of open seas, as in this case. Some of them are celebrated for their great extent, others for their gorgeous interiors, like this chamber. Some show the most beautiful draperies, or veils; in some cases portions of the ceiling have representations of magnificent inverted candelabra, and what appear to be carvings in the purest white."
"In what parts of the world are most of them found?"
"It does not seem that any portion of the world has a monopoly. The most celebrated are the grotto of Antiparas, in Greece; the Adelsberg caverns in Carniola, and the Mammoth in Kentucky. The latter is the largest in the world, the windings of which extend forty miles and through which is a subterranean river. In the river are eyeless fish, and fish with eyes, but sightless. Others are the Luray, in Virginia; the Wyandotte, in Indiana; Weir's, in Virginia; the Big Saltpeter, in Missouri, and Ball's, in New York. Of seashore caverns, the most famous and remarkable is Fingal's, on the coast of Scotland. Extensive caves are also found in the Azores, Canary Islands, in Iceland, in various portions of England, France and Belgium. Many of them are of immense value to the paleontologist."
"In what way are they of any use?"
"They have been of the greatest service, because in the early days of man, and before he knew enough to build his own habitation, he made the cave his home. You have heard of the 'cave man,' have you not? During the old stone period in England and other European countries, these caverns were the only abodes of man, and in them have been found layers from twenty to thirty feet thick, of successive accretions of bone, stalagmites and various articles of human manufacture."
This information added interest to the examination of the walls, and the eagerness of the boys to discover something new and startling was at its keenest edge. Before they had made a half circuit George announced that he could see a large opening, which turned to the right, and thus formed a bend to the general direction that the cavern had made.
A digression is necessary, in order to be able to understand all the elements in this remarkable voyage. The mouth of the cave was northeast of the Cataract home, and distant about a half mile, in a straight line. The opening for the first six hundred feet, which had been charted by them on the previous occasion, ran directly south, but from that point it turned toward the southwest, and this now, in a measure, explained the eagerness of the Professor to explore it, as he believed the cavern led to a point near their home.
"There is no water in the opening," was the further information from George, as they approached the contracted end of the chamber.
"Before we land let us see the other side of the chamber," was the Professor's suggestion.
The boat was veered around to the left, and before they had proceeded fifty feet it was apparent that a similar opening led out to the south, and a dry floor was visible, like in the other outlet. The boat was landed, and drawn up, two of the lamps taken out and the guns examined. The opening led into a second chamber, which looked like a canopied grotto of marble. Where they stood the chamber had the appearance of a huge letter A, the side walls of which ran together in the distance, but these walls were broken up by the most enchanting series of columns, and delicate entablatures, and the outlines of the figures were like blanched frescoes. It was such a weird and startling sight that the boys could not repress their amazement.
After they had fully entered the chamber Harry's quick eye caught a peculiar formation to the right, on a raised sort of platform, behind which seemed to be a recess. He had noticed it because it contrasted so strangely with the uniformly white glare of all the surrounding surfaces. He quickly made his way across, and as he reached it, stepped back in alarm.
"Come here, quickly; are those skulls and skeletons?"
The Professor did not need a second invitation. Scattered about on the elevation were found four skulls, and the bones comprising the remains of four human beings. The skulls were first arranged side by side, and the Professor intently examined them.
"These are skulls of the Caucasian race, beyond a doubt. All are, apparently, well formed and normal. But what is this?"
In the side of one skull was a perforation, with the bone fractured on all sides of the orifice.
"Do you think it is a bullet wound?"
"It has that appearance. As there seems to be no corresponding hole in any other portion of the skull, we may be able to find the missile inside, if death was caused by that means."
Harry had noticed a rattling sound when the skull was put in place, and mentioned this. After some hesitation the course of the fractured opening was traced through, and embedded near the top and on the opposite side, was a large lead ball, or what had been, undoubtedly, spherically shaped before it entered and passed through the bones.
"This is evidence to me that these remains have been here a long time."
"Why; because it is in the form of a ball, and not a bullet?"
"Yes; and there is also another reason why these people came here and met their fate many, many years ago."
"What is that?"
"In this calcareous formation the preservative qualities of the carbonates would prevent rapid decomposition. These skulls are turning to the same material that we see all about us. See how brittle the bones are. Our bones are of lime formation, being largely composed of the carbonate, the same as the stalactites."
The other substances now lying about were noticed. The excitement engendered at the sight of the bones was enough temporarily to blind them to the numerous things found scattered about. Here was a dirk, the edges entirely worn away, and whitened. There were the metal ribs of what seemed to be a case, or a receptacle of some kind. Lying at one side was an ancient type of firearm, long, heavy, and with an immense bore. Another and another were found—a regular arsenal, with the scattered remnants of peculiar little copper receptacles with whitish powder in them.
Harry, who was about to remove the powder, was stopped by the Professor. "We must retain everything as we find it, as nearly as possible. We do not yet know what the little vessels contain."
Not an article of clothing thus far had been found. A little higher up on the platform, two more skeletons were seen, both of which had fractured skulls, one of them showing two cavities which could not have been accidental, as both showed the same kind of fracture, and inclined across the skull in the same direction on the left side.
Alongside these skeletons were more of the long, wicked-looking firearms which had been found previously near the other bodies. There was every evidence to show that a terrible fight had terminated the existence of the band. More long knives, with curiously wrought handles, were lying behind the last skeletons, and on a more careful examination, a knife of an entirely different pattern was found within the ribbed cavity of one of them.
Still farther back, new articles appeared. Articles of furniture, many of them coated with the fallen carbonates; and here were the first articles of clothing, some of which were so decomposed as to crumble at the touch. Others were still firm. Some of the articles, like a mantle, had threads intact running in one direction, and the other cross thread all converted into dust, which disappeared when the garment was held up.
On some of the garments were metal trimmings. "They look like silver," said George, excitedly; "and what is this? It seems to be silver," as he brushed a bracelet-like piece of ornamentation with the sleeve of his coat. As they advanced new articles came in sight; a bench; a veritable chair, or couch, the covering of which was there merely to give it form, but the substance had gone. Only the wood remained and that largely decayed.
And now on every side, at the rear and along the walls of the recess, were evidences of human habitation. Cutlasses, knives, and at one side, what appeared to be the kitchen, were numerous pots and kettles of various sizes and descriptions, nearly all of them of copper.
"How could they possibly cook in here without being smothered to death?" asked Harry.
"The cavern seems to be large enough to take care of all the smoke," was the Professor's reply.
"Well, I don't understand why they should have taken the trouble to come in such a long distance, when they would be just as safe nearer the mouth?"
"Before we leave this place we may be able to answer your two questions in a way that will surprise, if not startle, you," was the Professor's answer.
This vague reply did not detract any from the interest which the boys took in the search.
While Harry was in the act of drawing back one of the couches, an object behind it seemed to fall apart with a jingling sound.
"What was that?" exclaimed George.
"I think we have found something here that will make us do some thinking," answered Harry, as he bent down to take up some of the detached pieces which came from what now appeared to be a large chest. He picked up one of the round pieces. "Gold, gold; look at it!"
"I suspected something of the kind when I saw the skeletons. Carefully, boys; let us remove this piece of furniture. Undoubtedly, we are in pirates' lair, and here is the booty."
The boys were too much overcome for words. They looked at the gold, and then at each other. George arose and walked back and forth. Harry, with the coin in his hand, brushed it and held it close to the light.
"With this we can buy anything we want," George finally uttered.
"Whom will you buy it from?" was Harry reply. The Professor only smiled. Of what use was money to them? George had forgotten that.
"Here is another one."
"Another what?"
"A chest, something like yours." The lid, with its mocking lock, opened easily, and there, coated with the universal carbonate, were a mass of coins, articles of ornament, rings, bracelets, and pieces the names or uses of which were entirely unknown to them.
"Now that we have them, what shall be done with the treasures?"
The boys did not answer for some time. Here was wealth; more, probably, than either had ever dreamed of; but it was of no earthly use to them. They must, of course, preserve it. They had discovered it, and under all the laws were entitled to possession.
"Well, have we gotten together all the gold and silver and precious stones? Just imagine us as buccaneers! Owners of an island we haven't conquered, and possessors of a fortune without working for it!" and the Professor laughed at the thought of it. The boys, too, laughed, but when they looked over at the ghastly skeletons, the joy was suddenly checked.
The Professor saw the reason. "Isn't this a sermon? You have become acquainted with it early in life; some learn it very late, and others never get the lesson. Riches; death! Possessors of every material thing that earth can give, and the grave beyond it! The unfortunates there had all this, but their skeletons have stood guard over it for a century or more."
The Professor still smiled, but the boys were very grave. It was, indeed, an impressive lesson.
"Why are you so quiet? Are you mourning for them?" Then, without waiting for more gloomy feelings, he continued: "How high above the mouth of the cave do you think we are?"
This sudden change in the tone of the Professor was almost startling to them. How indifferent! It appeared almost like desecration.
"I have no idea," was Harry's faltering reply. He looked around to assure himself that it was not all a dream. The sudden acquisition of what appeared to be an immense store of wealth, the ghastly relics below, seemed to stun him.
"Have you a reason for wanting to know how high up we are?" asked George when he had partially recovered.
"You wanted to know a little while ago how the smoke in the cavern might affect them. Haven't you noticed a perceptible movement in the atmosphere since we entered the chamber?"
The boys started and stared at him. Could it be that the cave had an outlet in the hills?
"Was that the reason you suggested we should make a circuit around the chamber after we entered it?"
"Yes; and I know where the outlet is."
"And does that explain why the pirates made their home at this end?"
"Undoubtedly; and what will be still more interesting information is, that the opening is within sight of the cataract."
Could anything be more exciting than this information?
"I now see the reason why you always wanted to come back to the cave. Did you suspect this when we first entered the cave?"
"No; but I had an idea we should find this after we made our second trip."
"What did you see?"
"Nothing but what Harry brought to me."
"What was that?" both exclaimed, eagerly.
"The slab of carbonate which Harry brought me for the marking tablet, and on which we made the chart of the cave."
"What did you find on it?"
"If you will recall, I brought it with me. It is now in the boat." Harry dashed down to the boat and brought it back, turning it over and over on the way.
The slab referred to was about two inches thick, a foot long, and probably ten inches wide, a little irregular in formation.
"When we returned home that evening, after the trip referred to, I took the slab and transferred the chart we had made to a board. In doing so, I noticed that the lime had been chipped away from one side, but that did not cause me to make any investigation at the time.
"Some days afterwards I again took it up, and could see plainly through the carbonate what appeared to be the shadows of some characters, and it at once occurred to me that, owing to the sunlight and the comparatively dry atmosphere in which it had been kept after its removal, that the lime would turn or change its color, but the lime on this background did not change in the same degree where the characters had been placed, and when we get into the sunlight you will be able to see just what I saw."
Looking at the slab, there was nothing to indicate any characters imprinted in it.
"Where is the opening, Professor?"
"Come here; directly below where we found the first skeleton; keep the light back in the recess; there; now look to the left and see that small streak of light about ten feet from the floor."
George could restrain himself no longer, but rushed forward. As he crossed a slightly elevated obstruction, his foot caught on a spur and he pitched forward. Harry, who was following, saw him fall. George, slightly stunned, had raised himself partly as Harry came up. When Harry saw him he was arising from a nest of bones which showed the remains of two more pirates, the two skulls lying close together, directly behind the little ridge over which George had fallen.
"Here are some more of them," cried Harry, as the Professor came up. "What a fight they must have had!"
The outlet at this point was fully eight feet wide, and without the lights it was still too dark to distinguish anything. George's light had been extinguished in the fall, but Harry's lamp was still available, and all were eager now to find the outlet. Harry now led the way, and within seventy-five feet, at a pronounced angle in the throat of the cave, he recognized the first real glimmer of sunlight.
"See the steps here!" was his cry. And beyond, as plainly formed as though cut a year ago, instead of a century, were steps leading up to a contracted opening, partly hidden by shrubbery.
When Harry emerged from the opening, the first sight that met his gaze, after he had fully recovered the use of his eyes, was their home, not a thousand feet away. George brushed his way out, and he stood there, not knowing whether to run or to shout or to cry. Every emotion appealed to the boys for mastery. All previous experiences during the past year paled into insignificance in comparison with the hour just spent in the pirates' lair.
The opening from which they left the cavern was on the side of a hill, not particularly steep, formed by projecting strata of limestone, in the clefts of which vegetation grew, and at a distance the rocks could be seen only at intervals on account of the shrubbery. No one could possibly suspect an opening into the walls anywhere along the hillside. The outlet was not more than twenty feet from the rather level ground, which sloped off toward the west and in the direction of Cataract River.
They sat there silently for a time, but evidently the Professor was not disposed to allow too much time for reflections which he knew must be gloomy to the boys' impressionable minds.
"What are you thinking about, boys? Have you had enough excitement for one day?"
George was the first to reply: "I have been thinking about what we ought to do with the gold."
"Why the gold? I have been thinking of the boat."
"Do you think we ought to leave the gold there? Isn't that of more importance than the boat?"
"I do not think so, George; we can use the boat to good advantage, but where can you utilize the gold?"
"But why would it not be a good idea to get it out and take it over to the Cataract?"
"I should advise against that very strongly."
"What are your reasons?"
"Suppose we should be attacked at the Cataract and find the home untenable; this place would be a safe retreat, and we should, in any event, have our treasure here in safety. It has been secure for the last century or so. I think it will keep for a few months more."
"It had never occurred to me that we could use this place for such a purpose. That is a capital idea. And did you have this in mind all along, Professor?"
"Yes."
After a time, when the subjects had been fully discussed, it was decided to try to bring the boat out by the new entrance, and after making all the measurements, ample room was found for this. They returned and carried and dragged it to the opening, and after some labor it was finally pushed through the opening, and when the ropes were attached it was lowered down the hillside, and dragged to a position where it could be taken by the team.
"You should go for the team now, and I will continue the explorations until you return," and so saying, the Professor went up the hill and entered the cave, leaving one of the lights at the opening.
The boys went back to the mouth of the cave and found the team, as well as Red Angel, who had remained there, and within a half hour were back again to the land entrance. The light was still where the Professor had placed it, and the boys at once entered the passageway, and went down the steps leading to the pirates' chamber.
All the bones of the skeletons had been removed from the passageway, where George had fallen, but the other skeletons were in the same place originally seen when they discovered the remains.
The Professor was not in sight, nor did they see any glimmer of his light.
It was he, undoubtedly, who had removed the bones from the passageway, but they did not stop to notice where they were deposited. When they first came in both were busy discussing the situation, in careless tones, without any pretense at suppressing their voices, but now that the Professor was not in sight, and no evidence that he was anywhere near, the scene about them began to be most weird and uncanny. They spoke in undertones, and when Harry suggested that they might call the Professor, and thus let him know of their return, it was some time before George would consent.
It became evident, as he did not appear, that something must be done, and Harry shouted loudly, and his voice reechoed through the cavern and came back to them from every quarter. In a few moments they were overjoyed to see the glimmer of a light directly to the east, which was in the opposite portion of the chamber, where, as his light moved forward, plainly showed another recess, or, probably, an opening similar to the one through which they had entered from the west side of the hill.
"Have you been waiting long?" was his inquiry.
"No; we came in less than ten minutes ago. Have you found anything new?"
"Nothing new, but many additional things; but we must take another day for this."
This was said so significantly that they looked at each other, debating in their minds whether or not the question should be pursued any further.
"Haven't you had enough for one day?" and he said this with such a jovial mien that it restored their composure and satisfied them that another day would bring the answer that they craved.
As they passed out George turned to the Professor and asked:
"Why did you remove the remains in the passageway?"
"Because I thought it might be well to examine them at our leisure, and therefore enable us, if possible, to learn something of their history. I have put them near the steps close to the entrance."
As they passed out he requested Harry to bring up the boards from the boat, as well as some ropes and part of the canvas, which was usually carried with them to be used as a means for signaling. The bones were arranged on the boards, and kept separate from each other; after which the canvas was severed and tied around the two human frames, to keep them in place, and deposited in the boat, after it had been loaded in the wagon.
It was now past two o'clock, and none of them felt any hunger until they neared home. The trip had occupied over four hours, and hungry as they were, the reaction, after the stirring events of the day, was so marked that it was difficult to rouse them sufficiently to prepare the meal.
Somehow, the work at the factory, the building of the boat, and the care of the stock did not interest them the following day. They went around like people in dreams. Their thoughts were centered in the cavern on the hill, and many, many times during the day their eyes involuntarily turned that way. Was it unnatural that such should be the case? When, if ever, in the history of human kind had such treasure been bestowed where the gift had been so lightly considered that they did not even stop long enough to count its value? It seemed such an unnatural thing to do, and yet the only feeling was one of curiosity.
During the entire day the boys rarely spoke to the Professor about the events of the previous day. He was busy in the laboratory with the two skeletons, and remained secluded.
"What do you think the Professor found in the cave while we were getting the team?"
"I have had a curiosity to know, as well as yourself. Shall we ask him?"
"I do not think it would be well to do so. You know he is always willing and anxious to be of service to us and to answer every question; it looks like an imposition to insist on what he evidently wishes to avoid."
"That is the feeling I have had. I love him because he has been so unselfish, and during the time we have been associated, I do not remember ever having heard him utter an unkind word."
"I have often thought I wish we knew of some way to make him understand how we appreciate him and his noble ways. You remember the birthday party we had for him? That touched him, as it did us, and it was the only time I ever saw him confused or in tears."
"I wish we knew his history. Did you ever hear him say a word about his friends or relatives? What affects me most is, that when any subject comes up, he always considers it from the standpoint of service to us. He never considers himself."
The boat was finally completed, and the boys were very anxious to have a sail in it to know how it would act. The utmost care had been taken to have it well caulked, and it was again put into the water, after all the leaky spots had been closed up.
For the purpose of the test it was decided to put aboard a load of stone, of a weight equal to what their contemplated load would be, and this they estimated, not counting their combined weight, at six hundred pounds. This would be ample for all purposes.
The day selected was bright, with a fair wind. By agreement Harry was selected as the skipper, as he knew every part of the boat. It devolved on him to take command for the day, but he would not consent to be the permanent captain, as he thought that a duty which devolved on the others as well.
Angel was invited, you may be sure, and he enjoyed the idea of a sail when he recollected, as was no doubt the case, his former trip. There was evidence of the remembrance in the animal, when they saw him at the boat, on more than one occasion, swinging back and forth on the rigging.
The Professor was in his element in the boat. It was a glorious journey for him, and the boys knew it was appreciated on his part. The wind was blowing from the west, so the sails were tacked and an easy sail made for the mouth of the Cataract.
Outside the sea was rolling, but not disagreeably so; but a much stronger breeze sprang up toward midday, and before two o'clock it was very brisk. The cliffs were rounded, and as the wind had not changed quarters, the sails were set for a southern course. This brought them around the bay and toward the headland to the east of the mouth of South River.
That region had always possessed a fascination for George and an attraction for the Professor as well. George, particularly, was anxious to penetrate the river, and sail up to the falls, but Harry's more practical views prevailed. "If we want to explore the river we can do it any day with a wagon, or on foot; but while we have the ship out, why not take a sail down the coast toward the mountains?"
The Professor concurred in this as the most liable to give them the best results, as they were out for the purpose of making tests of the craft on the open sea.
After sailing for an hour along the coast to the south, the shore line turned to a southwesterly direction, and the mountain range was now clearly perceptible, extending southwest, and along which it appeared that the coast followed. The wind changed and came from the mountains, and made progress slow. There was also a decided change in the temperature, and by four o'clock it was impossible to follow the coast except by constant tacking.
The boat was turned to the north, and with the strong wind, which had now perceptibly increased, began to make good time. As evening approached, the wind increased, until it blew with considerable violence, every minute being more boisterous, and the Professor suggested that the jib be taken down, which was done; but the increasing gale, and the terrible strain on the mast and sail, made the boys look inquiringly at the Professor, for a word of warning.
He sat there grimly during the raging storm, and with the halliards gradually let down the mainsail when the tempest had reached such a point that it appeared to sweep everything from the boat.
Where was Angel during all this uproar? Forward in the housed portion of the boat, curled up in a corner, and apparently unconscious, the little creature did not seem at all perturbed.
"Don't you think he is seasick?"
"It is not likely. Seasickness is akin, you know, to that dizzy feeling some people have when at a height. The natural instincts of the animal prevent him from having any feeling of discomfort at a height. The trees are their homes, and for that reason they can swing from branch to branch and sway back and forth in the loftiest trees without an uncomfortable feeling."
The heavy blow continued until they had reached the cliffs, when it abated somewhat, and the boys anxiously inquired whether it would be safe to make the entrance to the river during the gale.
"We are out for the purpose of testing the boat. To make an attempt to round the cliff and steer it into the mouth of the river in this wind will be the best test of its maneuvering ability."
As stated, the wind was now blowing from the southwest, and they were northeast of the mouth of the stream they wished to enter. They stood out to sea in order to make a starboard tack, and it was a gratification to see the magnificent manner in which the vessel responded, and before six o'clock they found themselves sailing up the river, and safely landed at the boathouse.
An examination showed that the crossbeam supporting the mainmast was split from end to end, and only the roof structure held it in place. Thus the trip had a warning lesson for them, and Harry was not slow to take advantage of it and install a larger crosspiece.
George had entirely forgotten the incident of the calcareous slab which had on it the tracings of the cave, and which had been the means of giving the Professor the first hint that they were in a pirate's cave.
The first thing in the morning he went over to the laboratory, and called attention to the slab. "Here it is," said the Professor. "You will note that the light shows some characters which can readily be made out, and at the corner here, where a portion has been chipped away, it has the appearance of something else besides calcium."
"Why, it looks like wood."
"That is what it is. I should not have noticed the wood if the peculiar lettering had not shown up through the coating."
"What are the letters, and do you know what they stand for?"
"We had better not pass judgment on that until we have removed all the calcium."
At this moment Harry came in to view the slab. It was the slab he had carelessly picked up in the cave, and therefore it had a great fascination for him. The calcium was carefully chipped off, and it was found to be a piece of oak board, with a smooth cut-off end, parallel sides, nine inches wide, nearly two inches thick, and about eleven inches long, the opposite end having the appearance of being broken. The only letters which could be made out were "HI," and a portion of another letter which could not be determined.
"What do you think the letters were intended to indicate?"
"They might be the name of a ship, or some sign. I do not think it was part of a ship. I tried to find something in the cave, on the day I went in while you went after the team, which would afford some clue, but so far nothing confirms me in any view which I may have."
"Isn't it curious that these letters should show through only after the slab was exposed to the light?"
"Why is that any more curious than photography is?"
"Because in photography something is put on the glass or the sheet that the negatives are made of, and it turns and makes a mark under certain conditions."
"Well, here is something put on this slab that turns also. Photography is a wonderful thing. Dr. Draper, the first great photographer, and who was also a scientist, says that every wall, or other object, which you stand before, has your photograph imprinted on it. The only question is to find some chemical which will develop the picture."
"What is meant by developing the picture?"
"You remember some time ago we talked about reagents, and the properties of certain chemicals to act on others, and in doing so, to make a change. Sometimes the change is a complete one, and makes a new product; in other cases the result is a complete change of color. Now, in photography, if a certain chemical is placed on a glass or a film, and the film is exposed, the light and dark portions of the object show on the film. The sunlight, or the actinic rays in the sunlight, affect the chemical material so that when the fixing chemical is applied it prevents a change in the condition of the chemical."
"What do you mean by the actinic ray?"
"All light is vibration; the greatest motions which are perceptible to the eye, being known as violet. Now there are still more rapid vibrations than are put forth to make the violet rays, which are called the actinic rays, and are the ones which affect the chemicals so acutely."
"Is it then possible to photograph with a light that is not perceptible to the eye?"
"You have heard of the x-rays, no doubt; they are the actinic or ultra violet, which are above the visible light. These light vibrations are of such a character that they penetrate many substances. A curious effect of this was shown some time ago when a photograph was taken of the side of a vessel which had several coats of paint over the old name, and the photograph showed not only the new name, but also the old one beneath."
The time had now arrived when they must make preparations for the proposed voyage of discovery around the island. It was a momentous time for them. The boys could not help but look with longing eyes to the cave. Before they went it was felt something more should be learned about its mysteries.
The Professor was not at all backward in encouraging this feeling.
"Wouldn't it be a good thing to take such things out of the cave as we can make use of here, and during our trip?" said Harry.
"What things do you think we could utilize?"
"Probably the guns; and then they have some cooking utensils."
"And why," suggested George, laughingly, "couldn't we take some of the money along?"
"That would be a comfortable feeling to have plenty of money in our pockets. Very well, we'll take this afternoon for the trip."
An early start was made, the lamps carefully trimmed and the guns, together with the bolos, collected. It was a short walk to the opening, and Angel, although not invited, accompanied the party.
Together they descended, and soon reached the scene of the conflict at the large recess to the left of the entrance. The Professor, after reviewing the scene, suggested that the bones should be carefully gathered together and deposited at a place where they could be buried.
"We do not want them here as evidences of the strife."
After all had been gathered and carried to the spot selected, the first task was to gather the treasure found in the chests. And here a sight met their eyes which staggered them. One of the chests which Harry first found contained not only an immense quantity of gold coin, of Spanish and other mintages, but curious other pieces, all ancient, as shown by the inscriptions, and long yellow bars, the last of which attracted George's attention.
"What are these bars?"
"They are gold bullion, made by melting up various articles, and probably the coin itself, so as to make it convenient for transportation."
"My! how heavy they are! and look at the number!"
When all had been assorted the Professor suggested that as they had plenty of copper utensils, the latter might be used as receptacles for the gold. The other chest contained but little coin, but here the interest was not less pronounced than in the other chest, because the vessels found were not only of beautiful, but many of curious, design. Some were of silver, as well, and the boys knew that those would be serviceable for their table, and at their suggestion all such were laid aside to be removed to the Cataract.
The kitchen utensils afforded a more varied collection than had been anticipated. Six of the larger copper vessels were required to hold the money, jewelry and other articles taken from the two decayed chests, and there were still remaining at least a dozen more smaller jars and pots, some with handles, which would be exceedingly useful in their kitchen.
All these were carefully put aside, and the smaller silver articles deposited in them. And now the guns! Seven skeletons were found, two of which had been removed to the Cataract by the Professor. After all the guns had been collected, twelve were counted.
"I suppose each fellow had two of them," was Harry's conclusion.
"If you will go over into the chamber to the east you will find a sufficient number to assure you that they were not lacking firearms."
The boys now understood. He had told them on the second day's exploration that he did not find anything new, but only something more. Why not go and see it now. But they were restrained. A dozen guns were certainly enough. These were also set aside, and it was then agreed to place the vessels containing the treasure in a secluded nook, in the extreme corner of the large recess. Samples of the clothing, some of the knives or daggers, as well as the little trinkets, found near each of the bodies, were deposited in the receptacles that had been selected for removal.
All this accumulation of material was more than they had bargained for when they left the Cataract, so that the failure to bring the team was keenly felt. However, it was the work of an hour, only, to get the team, and it was a pretty fair load which went from the pirates' haunts to the home on the river.
George's curiosity could not keep him from taking some of the coins which he exhibited when they returned, and which they would have ample leisure to examine.
Harry's thoughts were turned to the firearms. They were certainly of an antiquated pattern. The first thing was their length. Two of them were unusually long, fully six and a half feet.
"I wonder why it was they made their guns so long?" he inquired.
"The reason was, probably, that the quality of powder was so bad that the bullet would get out before all the powder was consumed. All the ancient pistols were very inefficient, because of the short barrel. Even down to the time of the American Revolution the guns on board of war vessels were not capable of throwing shot very far, and the most effective ones were those with long barrels."
"In what respect is the powder of to-day more powerful than in olden times?"
"Particularly in the fact that formulas have been devised which make a higher expansion, or give a greater volume of gas. The other feature of value is, that chemical means have been discovered whereby the moment a sufficient amount of heat has developed in the powder it instantly burns—not a slow fusing, like the old powders—but the combustion is instantaneous. These two factors working together have greatly improved even the black powders."
After their return the interest in the articles was so great, and the inventory took so much time, that the disappearance of Angel had been entirely forgotten. All remembered him going along, and no one had seen him enter the cave. None of them believed he could be induced to go in, hence no particular notice was taken of his movements.
An hour after the return, Harry saw Angel coming over the field at the east of the Cataract, dragging something after him laboriously. All stood and watched him as he neared home. He had a stick, apparently, but it seemed to be unusually heavy.
George ran out to assist him, and when he came up he gravely handed to article to George. It was the barrel of a gun, with part of the flintlock still attached, but it was rusted almost beyond recognition, the bore completely filled with dirt, accumulation and rust.
"Where do you suppose the little rascal found this?"
The Professor examined it. "Outside of the cave, undoubtedly. The curious part about it is, that this weapon is of an entirely different and more modern pattern than those we have samples of."
Harry took the gun and ran in to where the others were deposited, and true enough, it was not only shorter, but it had a smaller bore, and what is more, the outside of the barrel was octagonal, whereas the barrels of those inside of the cave were all round.
As the Professor predicted, the guns which they recovered were too much rusted to be of any service, and furthermore, they were made of iron, very much softer than the steel of which their own guns were constructed, and it is questionable whether they would be able to withstand a charge of the comparatively high power powder which had been made for the modern guns.
As curiosities the weapons were good things to have; otherwise they were of no value. This was not so with the vessels, which could be and were utilized in the kitchen and in that capacity were of the highest use. The table was supplied with articles of the purest silver, and it had a royal look.
In order that you may get some sort of idea concerning the condition of our little colony, at this time, it would be well to give a brief review of the situation. When they landed on the island the year before, with nothing but the clothing they wore, the prospect of being delivered was not a flattering one, as day after day passed by.
Here were two boys, unused to the privations of life, with youth and vigor, cut off from all the pleasures of manhood, surrounded by dangers, and day after day having mysteries thrust upon them which only increased their fears. These things necessarily must have produced an impression much deeper than would be the case with hardened men.
In the effort to discover, produce and build the various tools, weapons, and articles of clothing, to hunt food, and in the endeavor to learn about the condition of the island, and guard themselves against foes which might be all about them, imposed immense responsibilities.
In their struggles were personified the contests of the human race from the beginning of the world, in the effort to conquer nature, and to make it contribute to their necessities.
The Professor knew how such a condition would tend to make active minds either productive of good, or to fly out in the opposite direction and cultivate the low and sordid instincts. Occupation, work, the utilization of the mind, and above all, to direct their energies into useful channels, had been the Professor's one absorbing aim.
The boys had responded, as all boys will, not for the love of gain or for power or glory. Our boys had none of these. Other boys do not need them any more than those on Wonder Island. What they do need is a true stimulus for work; and when that evening they were gathered together in the cozy little living room at the Cataract, the Professor who for two days had been particularly reticent and retired, said:
"Can you imagine the condition of the pirates who gathered all that hoard in the cave? What do you think their aim was in life?"
"It seems to me," was Harry's reply, "that the only thing they were after was wealth."
"If what we see in the cave is any indication, the principal thing they lived for was to kill somebody," was George's conclusion.
The answers made him smile. "You have, I presume, answered the question in the two sentences. But there is something that you haven't mentioned, which is at the bottom of it all."
"Yes; wanting to kill to get the money."
"That only states your previous answers in a more concrete way. There is one word which describes it accurately: Selfishness. When a man inquires into the secrets of nature; when he tries to turn the knowledge gained into account, either for money or glory; when he consistently devotes his days to labor, and his nights to thoughts to find out how he may do something better, or quicker, or cheaper, it might all be denominated selfishness, and so it is, in a way. It is a selfishness, however, that does no injury to a fellow-man. That kind of selfishness is the great quality which has produced the wonderful things that we see all about us, and which distinguishes the man from the brute creation."
"But I have read of a great many men who made millions and millions and who never did any of the things you have just referred to," answered Harry.
"Then do you think they are any better than the pirates were?"
Notwithstanding the exciting times, food was a necessity, and it had to be found and prepared. It could not be bought. All the gold in the cave would not purchase a single meal. More barley had to be ground and the stock of honey was almost exhausted. Their duties in the shop, consequent on the haste exhibited to get the boat and weapons ready, contributed to the low state of supplies.
George announced that there was less than two pounds of the honey left, and proposed that a trip be taken to the flats, where the Professor had found the sugar cane. All joined in the journey to the cane field, and Angel was invited to join, which invitation was accepted by him gleefully.
The bolos were taken for the purpose of cutting the cane, and on the way George's inevitable question point was in evidence. "What did people use for sweetening purposes before cane was discovered?"
"Honey was the principal source of the world's sweets. But cane is not the only kind of vegetable from which the principle has been extracted. There are many kinds of reeds which furnish a sweetish substance. Sugar cane was first made known in eastern Europe by the conquest of Alexander the Great. Nearchus, one of his admirals, in sailing down the Indus, found the reed, and it was, previous to that time, known throughout the greater part of India. He described it as a kind of honey growing in canes and reeds. From this you may infer that honey was the principal source of sweets in his time."
"What are the other principal plants or substances that sugar is made from?"
"Mainly from beet, tubers of various kinds, such as the common dahlias, and numerous vegetables, from milk, fruit, gum arabic, as well as fish."
"I have heard it said that sugar contains all that is necessary to sustain life. Is that true?"
"That is a mistaken idea. It will sustain life for quite a time and with the addition of nitrogenous matter has great fattening properties, but without that it is not valuable as food."
"What do you mean by nitrogenous matter?"
"Meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans, peas, and the like, all contain a large amount of nitrogen."
"I remember my arm being burned on one occasion, and mother made a syrup out of sugar and put it on. In what way was the sugar beneficial?"
"In the first place, sugar is one of the most powerful antiseptics known. It acts, therefore, as an aid to healing, since it protects the wound from foreign substances and from poisonous and harmful germs. In the next place, it is a great preservative for either fruit or flesh."
The cane was cut close to the root, and the top and leaves trimmed off. Within several hours a full load was thus procured. The boys enjoyed the pith, and George playfully gave some to Angel. His surprise knew no bounds. When he knew what the cane was good for, he simply gorged on it.