Thompson and I have skirmished around ever since it began to get light, and we have not been able to find a trace of him." Merritt was out of his cot while his leader was still speaking, and ten minutes later, during which time the boys exchanged excited questions and answers, he was in his uniform and outside the tent.
The sun was just poking his rim above the western horizon and the chilly damp of early dawn lay over the island.

The sea, as calm almost as a lake, lay sullen and gray, scarcely heaving.

Behind the sleeping camp a few shreds of mist--the ghosts of the vapors of the night were arising like smoke among the dim trees.

At the further end of the assemblage of tents, and beyond the smoldering fire, stood a silent figure, that of Ernest Thompson.
"Have you explored the island thoroughly ?" asked Merritt under his breath.

Somehow the dim hour and the situation seemed to preclude the idea of loud talking.
"Of course not.