"Hadn't we better keep watch here till the lad returns, and then drop him off the island?" suggested the leader, coolly.
"Yes, if we were sure he was alone," answered Tom, readily. "But I don't believe he is. Likely as not there is a family living here, and they may have gone over to one of the villages for something, and when the moon is up will return. Before that time we must be gone."
"Well, perhaps you are right," the leader answered. "We can row over to Hope Island and make a stay there over Sunday, or until we have formed our plans. I believe there is no one there as yet."
"That is old Johnson's summer residence, isn't it?" asked Tom.
"Yes. Are you afraid of him, too?"
"No more than I am of the boy. In fact, I'd like to ransack the house over there, if the way is clear to do so."
"All right; we'll go over there pretty soon, then. But let us first see what there is for us here. Jed had better run down by the boat, however, and keep watch, while you and I pick up the things."
Jed departed, at his leader's suggestion, and the two lads deemed it wise for them to keep out of his way, and so worked cautiously back to the west side of the island, where they could embark upon their boat at the first evidence of their being discovered by the intruders.
As they sat down near the wharf Judd said, in low tones:
"I wish we had some way to scare those fellows off before they make a very extended search of the house. I'm afraid they may find our money."