The lean-to and sleeper close by did not escape their attention; in fact, the lad was no sooner perceived than they hastily withdrew into the friendly shelter of a line of bushes, from which point of observation they peered, as if undecided in their course of action.
But they did not attempt to come out in the open again, for Dave moved, stretched, then sat bolt upright.
"A fine nap," he murmured, half aloud; "a fine nap. It must be almost time for lunch."
He arose, gazed in the direction of the two boats, and began to saunter slowly toward them.
As he climbed on board the "Rambler," two pairs of eyes watched his movements with the keenest attention, their owners screening themselves carefully behind the bushes.
Dave got out the oil-stove, together with bacon, cheese, crackers, and carried them all ashore, but remained near the boats.
During his preparations for lunch, the two men, with the utmost caution, stole away.
After his repast, Dave cleaned up, replaced the articles he had used, and seated himself on the locker, to begin his composition.
When six o'clock arrived, Dave began to wonder about his friends.
"What can be keeping them so late?" he mused. "I thought they would be back long before this."