n said it was," Fred objected.

"I know it," said Grant, "but he wasn't sure of it. That was only his
opinion."

"Didn't the water and everything hurt it?" asked George.

"Not a bit. Here it is; you can see for yourself," and Grant produced
the piece of parchment from his pocket. He unfolded it while his three
companions crowded eagerly around him to inspect the strange document
once again. No light was thrown on its secret, if it had one, however,
and the same baffling maze of numbers confronted the boys.

"Put it away," cried John impatiently. "I think it's a combination to a
safe."

"No, it isn't either," said Fred. "It's a code I tell you and I think
that some one of us ought to be able to read it."

"What good would it do if you did?" demanded John. "Certainly it can't
apply to this island, and I say we forget it and inspect this cave now.
That is much more to the point."

"Put it away, Grant," said Fred. "To-morrow though, I'm going to get to
work on it and see if I can't make something out of it."

"I'll help you," said Grant.

"That's the way," cried Fred enthusiastically. "Grant and I will find
the money and Pop and String won't get a cent."

"Is that so?" exclaimed George. "Well, if you can find any money and not
give me my share you're a much better man than I think you are."

"Let's not fight about the money just now," advised Grant. "We haven't
found it yet, you know."

"I know it," exclaimed John. "I never heard such a lot of crazy talk
before either. Who's coming into the cave?"

The entrance was about ten feet wide and was high enough so that even
John could walk in without stooping. Far down towards the back of the
cave a patch of light shone on the floor showing that somewhere else
besides the spot where the boys stood, there was an opening.

"I can't see very well," said Fred as they stepped into the cave.

"Neither can I," George agreed. "I'm not very anxious to go walking
around in strange dark caves either."

"What can hurt you?" demanded John. "There isn't another soul on the
island besides ourselves and Sam."

"That may be," admitted George. "Still there may be holes in the floor
or some kind of animals living here."

"Well, I'm going down to where that spot of light is," said John. "Is
any one coming with me?"

"Oh, I'll go all right," exclaimed George quickly. "All I said was that
I didn't like it much."

"Go slow," cautioned Grant. "We don't want to run any risks."