Dave seized his spear and started promptly in the direction of the sea. In his brief survey from the heights he had made out the high plateau which he and Stoodles and Bob Vilett had once crossed in joining their friends on the other side of the island.
"It's due north, and it looks to be only about ten miles distant," calculated Dave. "I know that from the plateau we could see all over the island. If I could reach it, and the _Swallow_ has arrived, I certainly could make her out. Yes, I must try to get to the plateau."
Dave used due haste in descending the cliff by the route he had come. He had the idea in his mind of trying to mend up the yawl on the beach. Then he would wait for dark and skirt the coast in the direction of the plateau.
He was glad when he got down to the shore bluffs. He planned how he would fix the hole in the side of the yawl and make some oars.
"I will make an inspection of the boat," he thought, going towards it across the beach. "I did not notice it particularly, and maybe it isn't much damaged."
The yawl lay keel upwards, as it had landed with him and as he had left it earlier in the morning.
As he got nearer he saw that several boards were badly sprung. They were, however, all above the waterline.
"I think I can manage to make it seaworthy for a little cruise," said Dave. "Wonder if she is damaged inside."
Dave stooped, put his hand under the side of the yawl, and gave the boat a tremendous lift and a push.
Over she went, but to disclose a fact that gave Dave a decided shock.
Three natives had lain in hiding under the yawl. They arose simultaneously. Three spears were leveled at Dave, and he knew he was a prisoner.
The three spears held Dave in a circle. The spearsmen advanced them nearer and nearer till they hemmed Dave in dangerously. He had placed his own weapon on the ground while attending to the boat, so he was entirely unarmed.
Dave could do nothing but quietly await the further action of his captors. They regarded him fiercely. Then there was a confab among them.
Two of them finally dropped their spears, leaving their companion to guard Dave. They went to the nearest bushes and secured some stringy vines of great strength.
They tied Dave's arms behind him. One of the men pointed west, in which direction the priest had gone. It seemed that the native village was located west.
