The hounds jumped out, and running about with their noses close to the ground, began to show the same signs of excitement that they had exhibited on the day of their first visit to the island.

The boys knew more now than they did then, and consequently were not in such haste to declare that it was a bear the dogs scented.

It might be Godfrey Evans; and that he or somebody else had been there since they left was very evident.

Their trap had been sprung by the aid of a long pole, which was still fast under the heavy roof; the lever and rope had been carried away; and the bag of corn which Don had hung upon the sapling had also disappeared.

Don was provoked, and laid up in his mind a few sharp words, to be addressed to Godfrey on the subject, should they ever happen to meet again; but he had very little to say.