“That’s the very question that we would like to have you answer for us,” said Fred. “We don’t know whether the Gadabout is lost somewhere or the other fellows think we are lost and have gone back to Mackinac. That’s why we want to go back there ourselves and we’ll pay well if you’ll take us there on board your boat.”
This time the Japanese did not laugh, but there was a peculiar expression that appeared for an instant in his eyes and that alarmed John, although Fred had not seen that which so greatly troubled his companion.
“When are you going back?” demanded John.
“Two hour.”
“Have you got anything more to eat on board your boat?”
Once more the strange laughter was heard but the Japanese did not reply to the question.
“It will be two hours before they start, the Jap says,” said Fred, turning to John as he spoke.
“Well, there isn’t anything to do except to wait for the time to come, is there?”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I do,” observed John. “We’ll wait until that man comes back here and then we’ll tell him of our troubles and I’m sure he will take us on board. If he won’t take us to Mackinac at least he will take us back to his house.”