"What light is that?"
Only a few rods off shore, and coming directly for the island, was a light. Soon it was near enough for the lads to distinguish, even in the darkness, a boat containing three men, one of whom was in the bow, and held a lighted lantern in his hand. As the boat reached the shore they heard this man distinctly saying:
"This is the island, and the house is a few rods in that direction. We'll find a good shelter for the night, and may perhaps find it worth our while to keep quietly here for some time."
Budd drew his chum back into the shadow of an adjacent tree and whispered:
"Let us find out who they are before me make ourselves known."
Then the two lads crept carefully along the western shore of the island until opposite the house; then they crossed their garden-patch and concealed themselves behind the huge wood-pile, waiting for the new-comers to approach, and wondering what purpose had brought them to the island.
[CHAPTER IX.--THE THREE INTRUDERS.]
The lads did not have long to wait. Scarcely had they recovered breath from their rapid running when the three intruders appeared. The one in advance carried the lantern, and all carried gripsacks.
"They have come to stay," whispered Budd.
Then he asked, softly: