t to assist him, and when he came up he gravely handed to
article to George. It was the barrel of a gun, with part of the
flintlock still attached, but it was rusted almost beyond recognition,
the bore completely filled with dirt, accumulation and rust.

"Where do you suppose the little rascal found this?"

The Professor examined it. "Outside of the cave, undoubtedly. The
curious part about it is, that this weapon is of an entirely different
and more modern pattern than those we have samples of."

Harry took the gun and ran in to where the others were deposited, and
true enough, it was not only shorter, but it had a smaller bore, and
what is more, the outside of the barrel was octagonal, whereas the
barrels of those inside of the cave were all round.

As the Professor predicted, the guns which they recovered were too much
rusted to be of any service, and furthermore, they were made of iron,
very much softer than the steel of which their own guns were
constructed, and it is questionable whether they would be able to
withstand a charge of the comparatively high power powder which had been
made for the modern guns.

As curiosities the weapons were good things to have; otherwise they were
of no value. This was not so with the vessels, which could be and were
utilized in the kitchen and in that capacity were of the highest use.
The table was supplied with articles of the purest silver, and it had a
royal look.

CHAPTER IX

MAKING ELECTRICITY

In order that you may get some sort of idea concerning the condition of
our little colony, at this time, it would be well to give a brief review
of the situation. When they landed on the island the year before, with
nothing but the clothing they wore, the prospect of being delivered was
not a flattering one, as day after day passed by.

Here were two boys, unused to the privations of life, with youth and
vigor, cut off from all the pleasures of manhood, surrounded by dangers,
and day after day having mysteries thrust upon them which only increased
their fears. These things necessarily must have produced an impression
much deeper than would be the case with hardened men.

In the effort to discover, produce and build the various tools, weapons,
and articles of clothing, to hunt food, and in the endeavor to learn
about the condition of the island, and guard themselves against foes
which might be all about them, imposed immense responsibilities.

In their struggles were