It suddenly occurred to Ned that this was the same man who had passed the camp in a boat on the previous night, and the knowledge by no means added to his peace of mind.
Immediately on sitting down the stranger had taken a short black pipe from his pocket, and filled and lighted it. But during the performance of this operation he was not oblivious to the keen scrutiny of his companions.
"I hope you chaps will know me again," he said in a sarcastic tone. "Or were you just admiring my beauty? Dude Moxley is what my friends all call me, because I dress with such taste, and take such good care of my complexion."
Suddenly changing his voice he demanded gruffly, "Where are the other two chaps?"
"Why—why—how did you know there were two more?" exclaimed Ned, thrown off his guard by the question.
Mr. Moxley smiled complacently. "I seen the canoes and the tent up yonder along the shore. As the canoes happened to be empty I judged the rest of the party were on behind somewhere. I just guessed at their bein' two more of you, but it seems I hit it."
This was a very lame explanation, but the boys were too greatly worried to notice its defects.
"I may as well tell him all," thought Ned. "Perhaps he will relent and let us go."
Acting on this impulse he related the occurrences of the previous night, and described the perilous situation of Clay and Nugget on the island.
"Won't you let us go and look for our companions now?" he asked. "If the island is flooded they are in great danger."