The island thus attained proved a small one, not exceeding a hundred yards wide, rather sparsely covered with forest trees, the space between these, thick with undergrowth.

What first attracted my gaze after penetrating the tree fringe was the glimpse of a small shack, built of poles, and thatched with coarse grass, which stood nearly in the center of the island.

It was a rudely constructed, primitive affair, and to all appearances deserted.

My first thought was that we had stumbled upon some Indian hut, but I felt it safer to explore its interior before permitting the others to venture closer.
"Hold the horses here, Tim; let me see what we have ahead first." I approached the place from the rear, peering in through the narrow openings between the upright poles.

The light was so poor I was not able to perceive much, but did succeed in fully convincing myself that the dismal shack was unoccupied.