They were still discussing the plans they hoped to realize when they reached the island. Mr. Boyd was at the wharf, and immediately opened the letter Budd gave him.
"Hold on!" he a moment later cried out, as Budd was about to take the sloop to her anchorage. "This letter has laid in the office ever since yesterday noon. Mr. Johnson simply says he is coming down to-night to remain over Sunday with us, and wants you to meet him at the six o'clock train. One of you will have to go back to the village after him."
"We will both go," replied Judd; "there is nothing else to do."
So the sloop was put in readiness for the return trip to the village.
Whatever Mr. Johnson's coming meant he in no way disclosed to the lads as they met him at the depot. He greeted then; cordially, but seemed anxious to reach the island, and was unusually silent and preoccupied in mind the whole way over.
His meeting of Mr. Boyd at the wharf was warm, almost affectionate, and in a way indicated his purpose in making this visit.
"My dear Henry," he said, grasping Mr. Boyd's hand, "I have found I cannot get along without you, and so have come to make you an important proposal--important to me, at least, if not to you."
Mr. Boyd led the way up to the house, while the lads secured the boat for the night. Supper was on the table, and as soon as the boys came in all sat down to eat it. When it was finished, Mr. Boyd, turning to Mr. Johnson, asked:
"Did you wish to see me alone, sir?"
"No; all of you are more or less interested in what I have to say, and I will wait until the boys have cleared away the table and can join us in the sitting-room."