They found the cabin in good shape, and all of them could sleep there, since it was not cold, and there were enough covers on the bunks. But there was no food.
“Well, we’ll have to make the best of it,” declared Jerry. “Let’s go back to the boat, and see that everything’s safe for the night, and then we’ll turn in.”
But they were spared the discomforts of a foodless night on the island. For, when they were making their craft snug at the improvised dock, Ned caught the sound of oars on the dark river.
“There’s a boat!” he exclaimed. “Let’s yell!”
“Good idea,” agreed Jerry, and they raised their voices.
“What you want?” came the answering hail, as the sound of rowing ceased.
“We’re stuck on the island,” answered Ned. “We want to be taken ashore. Who are you?”
“Sud Snuffles,” was the answer, and the boys at once recognized the voice of a queer character about town—a man whom they often hired to do odd tasks. Sud was a person very fond of going about, and he had the faculty of getting into trouble, and out again, with ease. Just now he was a welcome friend.
“Take us ashore, Sud,” called Jerry. “Our boat has gone back on us.”