The hut lay in the hollow below them.
"There is the house, signor.

Now we shall soon know." They dashed down the short slope, and gathered round the door.
"Within there, open!" the merchant shouted, hammering with the hilt of his sword on the door.
All was silent within.
"Break it down!" he said; and two of the sailors, who had brought axes with them, began to hew away at the door.
A few blows, and it suddenly opened, and two men dressed as fishermen appeared in the doorway.
"What means this attack upon the house of quiet people ?" they demanded.
"Bind them securely," Polani said, as he rushed in, followed closely by Francis, while those who followed seized the men.
Polani paused as he crossed the threshold, with a cry of disappointment--the hut was empty.

Francis was almost equally disappointed.
"If they are not here, they are near by," Francis said to Polani.

"Do not give up hope.

I am convinced they are not far off; and if we search we may find a clue.