They soon reached the island under discussion, and landing, pulled their canoes up on the shore and fastened them securely to some of the smaller trees.
Then, as they started up the slight incline toward the lodge which topped the rise, a man came out on the verandah and stood, regarding them curiously.
CHAPTER XVI—MR. LAWRENCE OF WINNSOCKET LODGE
“Welcome to the island!” cried a cheerful voice, as the boys approached the lodge, and, looking up they saw that the stranger had removed a cigar from his mouth and was smiling genially.
He was an attractive-looking man of perhaps thirty-five, slightly bald, his temples tinged with gray. He was fully six feet tall and of a magnificent physique.
“Thank you, sir,” Chot responded. “We have no wish to intrude, but we are searching for a camping place.”
“And the island looked good to you, eh?”
“Oh, we did not intend camping here.”
“Well, there, what if you did. It’s a pleasure I assure you to have you visit me. I so seldom see anyone who is sociable.”
He came down to the foot of the steps, hand out-stretched to greet them.