Then, quickly returning to the dock they found their boat awaiting them and at once stepped on board.
Already they had explained to the owner the peril of the friends and the reason why they had chartered the swiftest boat which could be obtained.
“We’ll be there before long,” said the captain confidently. “Have you brought anything for your friends to eat?”
“Yes, we have a basket full here,” explained George, pointing to a hamper which one of the waiters from the hotel had placed on board. “We thought they would be hungry so we got it ready.”
“That’s all right, they will be,” said the captain.
“You don’t suppose anything has happened to them, do you?” inquired George anxiously.
“That’s something no man knows,” replied the captain not unkindly, “but we’ll soon find out.”
CHAPTER XVIII
THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST BOYS
The impatience of the boys was manifest when the swift little boat set forth on its voyage. Already they had made thorough investigations about the island, but not a word concerning their missing friends had been heard.
The anxiety of both George and Grant was well-nigh overpowering, although both did their utmost to heed the comforting words of the captain of the little yacht.