“They will be all right,” said the captain, striving to cheer up his downhearted young companions. “They’ll take care of themselves. There hasn’t been any storm and two boys in such weather can’t get into trouble on Lake Huron unless they try to and you say they aren’t that kind.”
“No,” said George quickly. “They wouldn’t be looking for trouble, but trouble may have been looking for them.”
“I guess not,” laughed the captain. “Most likely when we get back to Mackinac you’ll find they are already there or else have chartered another motor-boat to go out and look for you.”
As the boys were about to take their places on board the little craft they were surprised when they heard a hail from some one who was approaching from the woods.
In a brief time it was manifest that the man whom they had seen on Cockburn Island was the one who was now before them and that he was earnest in his request for them not to depart before he joined them.
“Are you going to leave now?” inquired the man when at last he stood beside the boys who were ready to embark on the little skiff and row out to the motor-boat.
“Yes, sir,” said Grant quickly.
“I am wondering if you’ll be willing to take me on board.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m willing.”
“I guess the captain wouldn’t object if I agreed to pay him. How about it?” added the new passenger, turning to the captain as he spoke.