"There's Andy calling me up in the Morse code," said Mr. McKay. "I wonder what's up? Terence, will you please hand me over that signalling flag from the for'ard port locker?"
Andy, though not an expert signaller, knew the Morse system fairly well. Slowly he transmitted the startling message:
"Do not go to the house. Remain on beach till you can launch boat."
Andy gave the A.F., showing that he understood the signal, and descending to the shore proceeded to divest himself of most of his sodden clothing.
"There's something amiss ashore, lads," explained Mr. McKay. "Andy's just informed me that the house has been broken into. Of course, it may be another unfortunate party of shipwrecked mariners, or a hurried visit of the crew of a passing ship. All I hope is that there are no natives on the island."
"I wonder if any remained after the canoe left," remarked Ellerton.
"Quite possible. I never thought of that, by Jove! They might have slipped away in the night in order to steal all they could lay their hands upon. In that case there are only a few. We may be able to hunt them out without much trouble. Still, I'm sorry it's happened."
From the cabin Mr. McKay produced his pair of marine glasses. After a prolonged examination he exclaimed:
"Yes, the door is ajar. I feel certain I closed it when I left."
"We'll soon see what's amiss," said Terence. "See, the reef is uncovering and the wind is dropping."
"Yes, it is," assented Mr. McKay. "Andy will be able to put off in the boat in less than an hour. Ellerton, I think you had better remain on board."
"I'll take care of it. Besides, I can use a revolver with my sound limb if necessary."
"Very well, then; only don't blame me if anything goes wrong. Quexo must stay in any case. There's no need to worry about Blight."
In less than the predicted time Andy succeeded in rowing the small boat safely through the rapidly subsiding swell. Directly he came alongside, Mr. McKay and the two lads slipped on board, and with no greater inconvenience than a thorough drenching--to which they were now perfectly accustomed--the party landed at the natural quay at the foot of the path leading up to the house.
Everything appeared quiet. A hasty glance at the two storehouses on the lower terrace revealed the astonishing discovery that nothing had been disturbed.