“He means it’s a pleasure to serve us,” said Chot, as a look of perplexity stole over Tom’s face.
Hoki grinned and nodded at this.
As they were talking to Hoki, Bert came out of a nearby room, rubbing his eyes, and a moment later Fleet and Pod came downstairs, feeling fine after a morning plunge in the tub.
Hoki bustled back and forth between the kitchen and the diningroom, and soon announced breakfast.
“But we’re to wait for Mr. Lawrence, of course,” said Chot.
“No wait,” said Hoki, gravely. “It gives me greatest pleasure to accept you as masters of lodge. My master, he not here—he go away in the night!”
CHAPTER XVII—MYSTERY
“Mr. Lawrence has left the island!” Chot exclaimed, and again Hoki nodded.
“He said tell young gentlemens take much possession, and he will either return or come back before long,” said the Jap, gravely.
In spite of the fact that they were surprised at the sudden turn of events, the boys were forced to laugh at Hoki’s quaint methods of speech.