"Well find them." Billy walked slowly down to his launch, got in, and reversing the engine, backed out, waving an indolent hand at his companions.
Suddenly a weird scream rang out on the still air.
"Run for it, boys. That way," cried George, pointing excitedly.
"No! It's the other way," shouted Sam.
"You're both wrong. It's toward the other side of the island," declared Larry.
"Now look here, fellows. We are all of us wrong. If we are going to accomplish anything we must stop fooling and go at this business scientifically. I will take this side of the island. Sam, you and two of the fellows take the middle, and Larry the other side, keeping within sight of the shore. We will search every inch of it, though I don't believe we can finish the job before night."
"We had better take our lanterns with us, or we shall break our precious necks," suggested Sam.
"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy on the other side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be back until late this evening, and for him to keep circling the island until he finds us back in camp again. Better take some grub along. We can stand it to eat a cold supper for once. We will have a warm one when we get back."
After having made their preparations the boys started out, all the others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's party starting next, George Baker leaving the camp last. In that way they planned to keep pretty nearly abreast.