in the earth, and then had
the tops bent over and bound together.

Smaller branches, or withes, were then run around and interlaced, so as
to make the web fairly close, and over this was plastered a species of
blue clay, which, when dried and baked by the sun, formed an impervious
coating that kept out the rain.

The boys marveled at the construction, because this was the first
example of savage architecture they had seen. The smaller hut was
distant about fifty feet, similarly made, but smaller in diameter.

"Let us examine the other place. Possibly that will give us some clue,"
and Harry started across the intervening space, while George was still
rummaging about, uncovering the odds and ends and raking them toward the
door.

Before Harry reached the hut, George cried out: "Come here, Harry; I
have found something." And he held up a scrap of paper. "If the savages
have been here they have left something that looks like writing."

Harry was back in an instant, and leaned over George's shoulder as he
tried to make out the scrawls on the piece of blackened and crumpled
sheet which he was smoothing out. The paper was about four by six inches
in size, and evidently a good quality of wrapping paper, known as
manilla.

"There are words here, sure enough. Look at this--it must be a name.
Yes; can you read it? 'Rogers.' But who has signed it? Can you make that
out?"

"Well, if there is one scrap, the chances are there must be some more.
Let us get this stuff out of here."

"But be careful, Harry. I found this by the merest accident, and as it
is, you will see I have torn it."

A more careful search was now begun, and every scrap was raked out and
examined. A brass button was among the things; a buckle; the broken
blade of a knife; a little metal disk, which might have been part of a
locket case; a steel ring, all rusted and about two inches in diameter.

As these things were successively brought to light, it dawned on the
boys that this might well have been the homes of savages, and the
articles mentioned were likely taken from captives. The message on the
paper, if it could be deciphered, might be the most valuable clue, but
they were reserving that for examination later on, when they could have
the assistance of the Professor.

The important thing now was to go over every bit of material in both
places, and then make a survey of the surrounding country. It set at
doubt all questions in their minds about the inh