This page has been validated.

CHAPTER XV
LAUNCHING THE MUD TURTLE

There was still no sign of the missing man at the camp when the sun rose, and a fear that had haunted Dave began to become very real. He was now firmly convinced that his friend had gone for a swim and been drowned. In a very dismal mood he walked down to the bay where they usually took their dip, and searched, fearing to find what he was searching for.

"Jim," he said at last, "we 'll put up some lunch and spend the rest of the day going over every foot of this island. There's always a chance."

Systematically they explored the southern and western extremities of the place, and the sun was already slanting. westward when they came to the rugged territory in the north. Dave had very

231