"Yes, sir," said Mr. Button. "There have been some stirring scenes up around Mackinac Island. To my mind it is one of the most beautiful spots in the United States, and, standing just as it does where the lakes join, I do not wonder that the Indians did not want to give it up and that the French and English fought over it the way they did. There's a very interesting story of the defense of the old fort. It is published I believe, in a little pamphlet and my advice to you is to get a copy and read it before you go home." "We'll do that," said Grant enthusiastically. "When we get back," laughed George, "Grant's head is going to be so full of the information that he has picked up about the lakes and Mackinac Island, that the rest of us won't have to do any work, except to keep him quiet." "By the way, Mr. Button," said Fred, "did you find out anything more about that letter?" To the surprise of the boys the captain appeared at that moment, glaring angrily at Fred and turning about several times after he had started back to his place at the wheel. "It was a strange letter," said Mr. Button, "but I am accustomed to such things. It is a part of my business." All four boys looked at him questioningly, but he smiled slightly without satisfying their curiosity at the time. "As I was saying," he continued, "there have been some very exciting adventures around Mackinac Island. Perhaps I will tell you something about them before long. Just now I should like to have you tell me about your trip yesterday. Did you have good luck?" "It depends upon how you look at it," said John with a laugh. "We caught all the fish we wanted for our luncheon, but we had a terrific thunder storm out there that drove us ashore in the afternoon. At least Fred and I were driven ashore." "You were wise lads to run before the gale." "You needn't charge us with the wisdom," laughed Fred. "It was the mate that had it. We were lucky enough to have him with us and he took us ashore over at Cockburn Island. We weren't so lucky when we landed, though, because our skiff was all stove in and we had to leave it when we came away." "How did you get away?" "Why, the other fellows took the Gadabout and began to look for us after the storm died out and then they came ashore for us in their skiff." "How far is it between Drummond Island and Cockburn?" "Two or three miles. That's about all, isn't it, Captain?" said John turning abruptly about as the captain's face once more was seen peering eagerly at the company seated in the stern. "That's about it," drawled the captain. "Have you never been there?" he added, looking directly at Mr. Button as he spoke. "I'm looking forward with great pleasure to the trip," replied Mr. Button, quietly, apparently ignoring the question that had been asked. "You don't think we are likely to have another storm, to-day, do you?" "No," said the captain abruptly, as once more he turned to his work.