Gliding slowly into the cove, she lost headway not far from the _Barracouta_. A small black dog began to run to and fro on board and bark excitedly. The man at the helm, evidently her only crew, hurried stiffly forward, let the jib and mainsail run down, and dropped the anchor. Then the boys were treated to a fresh surprise. [Illustration] A shaggy white cat leaped from the standing-room upon the roof of the cabin. A Maltese followed her. Then another, jet black, sprang into view. The three rubbed about the legs of the man as he made his cable fast. Nemo, roused from his nap under the stove, ran down to the water's edge and began an interchange of ferocious greetings with the strange canine; while the cats, lining up in a row on the side, arched their backs and spit fiercely. The boys viewed this menagerie with amazement. "Barnum & Bailey's come to town!" muttered Budge. His craft safely moored, the man drew in a small punt which was towing astern and stepped into it. The dog followed. "Back, Oliver!" ordered his master. Grasping the animal by the scruff of the neck, he tossed him into the standing-room. Then he slowly sculled the punt to the beach. Jim walked down to meet him. The stranger was of medium height, and apparently over sixty years old. His beard and mustache were gray. He wore a black slouch-hat and a Prince Albert coat, threadbare and shiny, but neatly brushed. He stepped briskly ashore, with shoulders well set back. His dark eyes carried a suggestion of melancholy, and his face was deeply lined. "I've dropped in to make repairs," said he. "Broke my main boom in a squall about a mile north of the island, and thought I might get some one here to help me fix it." "You did right to come," returned Jim. "We'll be glad to do anything we can, Mr.--" "Thorpe," supplied the other. "That isn't my name, but it'll do as well as any." "Mine's Spurling," said Jim. They shook hands and walked up to the camp. There Jim introduced the newcomer to the other boys. Supper was about to be put on the table and the stranger was invited to share it. He accepted, and ate heartily, almost ravenously. "Seems good to taste somebody's cooking besides your own," he apologized. "When you've summered and wintered yourself, year in and year out, the thing gets pretty monotonous and you almost hate the sight of food." "Then you're alone most of the time?" ventured Lane. "Not most of the time, but all the time." The boys would have liked to inquire further, but courtesy forbade, and their guest did not volunteer anything more regarding himself. He shifted the conversation to Nemo. "Bright-looking dog you've got there!" he commented. "Yes," said Jim. "And he's fully as bright as he looks. I see you've a dog and some cats aboard."