He stooped and picked up the paper, greatly to the dog’s apparent satisfaction. It was folded in the middle and contained, written in pencil, the following message, which, not being directed to any one in particular, Herbert felt at liberty to read: “Feel no anxiety about Robert Coverdale. He is safe!” Herbert read the message, the dog uttered a quick bark of satisfaction, and, turning, ran down the cliff to the beach. Herbert was so excited and delighted at the news of his friend’s safety that he gave no further attention to the strange messenger, but hurried into the cabin. “Mrs. Trafton--Mr. Bence!” he exclaimed, “Bob is safe!” “What do you mean? What have you heard?” they asked quickly. “Read this!” answered Herbert, giving Mrs. Trafton the scrap of paper. “Who brought it?” she asked, bewildered. “A dog.” Ben Bence quickly asked: “What do you mean?” “I know nothing more than that a large black dog came to the door with this in his mouth, which he dropped at my feet.” “That is very strange,” said Bence. He opened the door and looked out, but no dog was to be seen. “Do you believe this? Can it be true?” asked Mrs. Trafton. “I believe it is true, though I can’t explain it,” answered Ben. “Some dogs are wonderfully trained. I don’t know whom this dog belongs to, but whoever it is he doubtless has Robert under his care. Let us be thankful that he has been saved.” “But why don’t he come home?” asked Mrs. Trafton. “Where can he be?” “He was probably rescued in an exhausted condition. Cheer up, Mrs. Trafton. You will no doubt see your boy to-morrow.” “I feel like giving three cheers, Mr. Bence,” said Herbert. “Then give ’em, boy, and I’ll help you!” said old Ben. The three cheers were given with a will, and Herbert went home, his heart much lighter than it had been ten minutes before. CHAPTER XIII THE CRUISE OF THE RAFT It is time we carried the reader back to the time when Robert, after launching his rude raft, set out from the island of his captivity. Notwithstanding his rather critical situation, he was in excellent spirits. The treasure which he had unearthed from the wreck very much elated him. It meant comfort and independence for a time at least, and in his new joy he was even ready to forgive his uncle for leaving him on the island and Randolph for not taking him off. “I’ve heard of things turning out for the best,” was the thought that passed through his mind, “but I never understood it so well before.” Robert possessed a large measure of courage and he had been used to the sea from the age of six, or as far back as he could remember, but when he had rounded the Island and paddled a few rods out to sea he began to feel serious. There was a strong wind blowing, and this had roughened the sea and made it difficult for him to guide his extemporized raft in the direction he desired.