The speed of the Gadabout was increasing now and in the dim light the waters near the stern seemed almost to glow with light. There was excitement for the boys in the midst of the mystery, but all had become silent and watchful of the man at the wheel.
Swiftly the little Gadabout plowed its way across the smooth waters. The point of Drummond Island was passed and then to the amazement of the boys the course was not changed. The Gadabout now was headed for the open waters of Lake Huron. Mackinac Island lay far to their right.
“You have made a mistake, Mr. Button,” called George anxiously. “This isn’t the way back to Mackinac Island.”
“Don’t be alarmed, boys,” replied Mr. Button, without glancing behind him. “I’ll bring you out all right.”
“But you are headed in the wrong direction,” protested Fred.
“Don’t be afraid,” said Mr. Button once more. “I know what I am doing and so will you all pretty soon.”
It was too dark to enable any of the boys to perceive the expression on the faces of his comrades. That they all were aghast at the unexpected turn of events, however, was manifest to all, but the little Gadabout, as if the anxiety of its passengers was of no concern, kept steadily on its way toward the open waters of Lake Huron.
CHAPTER XI
ALONE ON THE LAKE
The four boys huddled together near the stern of the swiftly moving motor-boat. For a few minutes silence rested over the group. They were aghast at the turn of events and all were alike fearful of the consequences of their appropriation of the Gadabout, although no one acknowledged his fears.
George was the first to break the silence, when, leaning toward his friends he said in a whisper, “He’s veering off to the left now. Do you see what he’s doing?”