The Wonder Island Boys | Page 8

large structures, built in three of the well-known types of architecture, and the other parts of the village were laid off regularly.
Surrounding the village was a strong embankment, as though originally used as a fortification, and the village itself was located on the side of a hill, betokening sanitary considerations.
"But I do not see," observed George, "what the copper in the cave had to do with the town?"
"Nor do I," responded Harry. "Suppose we see John at the first opportunity. There are other things besides the copper I would like to know. John has asked every one that he has come into contact with about the different wrecks that have come ashore within the past two years, and no one seems to have any idea that more than two of the Investigator's boats came ashore."
"Well, if they did it isn't at all likely that they could come to the southern shore, when the wrecked vessel was to the north of the island."
"It is just for that reason," responded George, "that I believe we shall find other islands in the vicinity, and who knows but some of the boats reached those islands?"
"I am with you," said Harry. "Shall we talk to John about it?"
"By all means. But stop! Why not have a talk with the Professor first?"
"Good idea. We owe everything to him."
CHAPTER II
A MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE
The town of Unity was located about ten miles from the sea, on a little stream, which had a waterfall, from which they derived the power for turning the machinery which had been put up. This consisted of a saw mill, a small foundry, a machine shop, as well as grist mill and other mechanism suitable for a town.
All these enterprises were now being operated by the natives. The leading commercial genius of the town was Blakely, who was one of the owners of the vessel on which John had sailed from San Francisco, and which was also wrecked by the same monsoon which sent the schoolship Investigator to the bottom.
It was Blakely's idea that the work of the natives could be profitably turned to raising coffee, cocoa, and the different fibres which naturally grew all over the island, and in order to take advantage of the crops which could be grown there it would be necessary to open communication with the outside world.
To do this meant that they must build a ship, and thus reach civilization, and vessels could then bring such things to the islands as the natives could use, and take away the produce that the natives could turn out.
Such a plan was one which was heartily seconded by all the boys, who, although they had been engaged in the most wonderful experiences, were homesick, and longed to see their parents in the States, and thus relieve them of their anxiety, after an absence of more than two years.
It was with a will that all took a hand in the work, and the ship was nearing completion. They had no facilities for making a large engine, so the vessel was a sailer, with a small propeller, and the largest size engine they could turn out was to be used as an auxiliary.
The next evening while the Professor, John and the boys were together, Harry brought up the subject of the talk of the previous evening.
"George and I have been talking about making a voyage of discovery."
The Professor looked at Harry with that genial smile which the boys had learned to love. Without answering for the moment, the old man turned to John, as the latter's face lit up.
"I thought you boys were homesick?" he said.
"Well, yes," answered George. "But only for a little while."
"Only homesick for a little while?" and the Professor's hearty laugh followed.
"I mean we are homesick,--that is, we can be cured of it in a little while."
Without relaxing that broad smile, the Professor continued: "I suppose you want to be cured before you go on the voyage of discovery? Is that it?"
"Yes."
"But what do you expect to discover!" asked John, gravely.
"Just what you suggested on one occasion," said Harry.
"We want to know where the treasures are on the islands," remarked George.
"Then, there is another thing," ventured Harry. "I don't think all the boats of our ship were lost, and it is likely that they found refuge on some other island."
"But how do you know there are other islands near here?" asked the Professor.
"Well, I don't know, only from what John has said."
John looked at Harry for a moment quizzically, and then said: "When did I say so?" he asked with a smile.
"When you told about the charts of the treasure caves."
"But we have found them, haven't we?"
"Yes; but not all of them."
"That is true; and your argument is correct. Unquestionably, there are other islands, probably not in the immediate vicinity,