THE MYSTERY OF EAST KEY. 185 



and in a short time rushed breathlessly into 

 camp. 



The boys and the doctor were still asleep, 

 but Long John was preparing to build the fire, 

 when he was startled by the appearance of the 

 excited young naturalist. 



" Didn't you say that no one lived on this 

 island ? " he asked breathlessly. 



" Sartin I did," responded Long John, drop- 

 ping his armful of wood and turning his red face 

 on Tom with an expression of amazement. 



" Well, it isn't so," retorted the latter ; and 

 then he rapidly related his experience to the fish- 

 erman and the others, who, awakened by the 

 talking, now gathered about him. 



" It's sing'lar," said Long John, taking off his 

 hat and rubbing his head, as if feeling for an 

 idea. 



"Very," echoed the doctor, who had been 

 studying the luminous face of their guide and 

 boatman. " Are you not mistaken, Tom ? " 



" Certainly not, sir," replied Tom. " I saw 

 the man not thirty feet from me, digging in the 

 sand, and as plainly as I ever saw anything." 



