"Stuck!" said Oliver laconically. "Shall we go back?"
"Let us try to get to the top of the hill," I said. "Then we will have a chance to look around."
The hill in question was one overlooking the volcano basin. To reach it we had to take a circuitous route, to avoid the cacti which grew in profusion before us. By the time we reached the point in view all were exhausted and willing enough to sit down and rest.
"We are working back to the volcano," observed Oliver. "But that isn't saying much. I haven't any idea where the hotel lays."
"Never mind; we are not bound for the hotel just yet," I answered. "Now we have come so far, to me it's treasure or nothing."
"Hurrah! that's the talk!" burst out Dan. "Remember, our time is our own."
"Yes; but what about food?"
"We'll try to pick up something," I said. "Over yonder are some bananas to start on, if you are hungry."
"We can't live on half-ripe food, Mark."
"What! are you going to turn back?" I demanded, in astonishment.
"Oh, no; but we must take care of ourselves."
Oliver was right in his last statement. Night was coming on and we were a good distance from
