re was the first real clue. A bit of paper, evidently a page from a
scrap book, which showed faint traces of writing. Parts were entirely
eaten away, and after a time the following words were deciphered:

"Escaped during the night miles wes
tains lyas have Rogers right
faithful
(Signed) roman"

The German letters contained no information, excepting the name "Johan,"
to which they were addressed, and were signed, "Matilda," all dated
during the year 1911.

"One of these men was a white or Caucasian, and the other was,
undoubtedly, an aborigine, as the skull formation clearly indicates. I
am satisfied that this one was a native," remarked the Professor, after
he had made an extended examination.

"This letter may be an interesting one to decipher," said Blakely, as he
went over the contents again and again. "It seems to me that the part of
the word 'lyas' has reference to the 'Illyas,' and 'tains' is part of
the word 'mountains.' Probably, it would read, if properly
reconstructed, 'west of the mountains.'"

"Yes, and the space between 'night' and 'miles' refers to the number of
miles," added Ralph.

"It is remarkable that we should find evidences, of the work of the
Illyas at the extreme western part of the island, when they are living
near the eastern border," remarked the Professor.

"I take it," answered Blakely, "that this letter was transmitted to the
man here, and was written by some one, and conveyed, in all probability,
by this native."

"That is a reasonable supposition. The word 'faithful' may have
reference to him," responded the Professor, after some reflection.

"Well, we can do no more than give them a decent burial," said Blakely.

"It will be a difficult task to do that, as we have no tools, and it
would be necessary to carry the bones a distance in order to inter them.
If the boys will gather up a quantity of stones we can make a covering
for them against the wall, within one of the coves."

This suggestion was carried out, and the bones deposited beneath a
mound, and after gathering up the various articles they descended the
vine ladder and made a hurried trip to the river.

Unity was reached as it was growing dark to learn that two messengers
from John had reached them during their absence, detailing the sighting
of the Illyas' village, which was estimated to be five miles west of the
mountains.