It was glorious fun on the ice. For some time the three chums found themselves in the midst of their skating companions, but they soon left them behind, and, a little later, were nearing Pine Island.
"Make for the upper end," advised Sammy. "That's where the hermit will be, if he's anywhere."
But though they had had good luck up to this time, bad luck now set in. First the skate of one of the boys would become loose, and he would have to stop and tighten it. Then the same thing would happen to another. So they were delayed, and it was almost dusk when they came opposite the far end of the island. This was a place they had seldom, if ever, visited.
"Well, here we are at last," said Sammy. "I'm going to take off my skates and go ashore a while. My feet ache."
"We really ought to go back," said Frank, slowly. "It's getting dark, and if we're as long going home as we were coming it will be after six when we get in. The folks will worry."
"Oh, well, we won't stay but a minute—just to rest," said Bob. "I'm all out of wind."
"Well, all right," agreed Frank.
So they took off their skates and walked on the island. It was covered with snow, and curiously still and silent.
"I wonder where Mr. Jessup has his cabin?" spoke Sammy.
"Probably well inland," said Frank.