Page:The Secret of the Caves.djvu/119
they reasoned that as it was impossible to take the provisions everywhere with them, they would have to run the risk of further theft.
Out on the beach, beneath the lowering black cliffs, they forgot the unfortunate beginning of their quest in the delight of the keen, salty air and the cool breeze from the sea. The sandy shore wound about the face of a great bluff of black rock and when the lads had skirted this precipice they were confronted by a dark opening at the base of the cliff just a few yards away.
"Another cave!" exclaimed Frank.
Chet gave a cheer.
"Let's investigate."
They advanced on the cave, but when they were just in front of the entrance they halted with exclamations of surprise.
Tacked on a board stuck in the sand beside the cave mouth was a tattered fragment of paper. On it, in black letters scrawled with a heavy pencil, they read:
NO TRESPASSING.
The boys looked at this sign in astonishment.
"By order of the chief of police," murmured Chet, with a grin.
"Looks as if somebody has been here before," Biff observed.