“I don’t see why he shouldn’t,” broke in John. “Unless there’s something wrong with him.”
“There may be something wrong as far as the law is concerned, but I guess the old fellow himself thinks he’s right. You know there are a good many people that do that.”
“What do you suppose he’s up to?”
“I don’t believe anybody knows, not even the captain himself. I guess it’s his general principles. He’s opposed to everything.”
“Do you think this Mr. Button is anything more than he appears to be?”
“I’m not sure,” said Fred thoughtfully. “It may be that he knows a good deal more than he explains and it may be that letter he got, which was sent to me first, has made him suspicious of the captain. I don’t myself believe there’s anything the matter with the captain anyway.”
“Look yonder!” said John quickly, dropping the fish, which he was cleaning, as he spoke. “Isn’t that Mr. Button himself?”
Hastily looking in the direction indicated by his friend Fred was silent for a moment and then said, “That’s just who it is. What do you suppose he’s doing here on this island?”
“He isn’t on the island yet. I’ll tell you later what he does, that is, if he lands. Don’t let him see us.”
Hastily moving behind the high bushes, though neither boy could explain just why he did so, they watched their fellow-guest, as his skiff was swiftly sent ashore and Mr. Button himself stepped out upon the land.