CHAPTER XIX
LEFT BEHIND
"Ralph," said Edna, as they were hurrying up to the caves, "you must do everything you can to keep those sailors from wandering into the lake basin. They are very different from the negroes, and will want to explore every part of it."
"Oh, I have thought of all that," said Ralph, "and I am now going to run ahead and smash the lantern. They won't be so likely to go poking around in the dark."
"But they may have candles or matches," said Edna. "We must try to keep them out of the big cave."
Ralph did not stop to answer, but ran as fast as his legs would carry him to the plateau. The rest of the party followed, Edna first, then the negroes, and after them Mrs. Cliff, who could not imagine why Edna should be in such a hurry. The sailors, having secured their boat, came straggling after the rest.
When Edna reached the entrance to the caves, she was met by her brother, so much out of breath that he could hardly speak.
"You needn't go to your room to get your things," he exclaimed. "I have gathered them all up, your
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