“There is no one here on the island, and you would be all alone,” Phyllis said.
The pilot smiled. “I shan’t mind that. I want to be by myself—no one must know I am here. Absolutely no one, do you understand?”
“No, sir, we don’t,” Bruce said promptly.
“Why shouldn’t anyone know you are here?” added David. “A lot of people must have seen your plane fall.”
The pilot ran a hand through his hair nervously. “I realize that, but look here, couldn’t you say I was unhurt and you took me to a railroad station or an airport and I’ve gone away? It is so important that no one knows I am here!”
The young people looked at him speculatively.
“Are you an escaped convict?” Phyllis asked outright.
The strange young man laughed heartily.
“Hardly!” he declared. “I am just a harmless flyer who desires a little peace and quiet for a while. What do you say? Will you help me keep my presence here a secret? You can tell people my plane fell into the sea and was washed down the coast. There is no harm in keeping me hidden.”
The young people could think of no convincing reason why they should tell anyone that the pilot desired to be alone on the island nor why he should not stay here if he wished.