"There may be something wrong as far as the law is concerned, but I guess the old fellow himself thinks he's right. You know there are a good many people that do that." "What do you suppose he's up to?" "I don't believe anybody knows, not even the captain himself. I guess it's his general principles. He's opposed to everything." "Do you think this Mr. Button is anything more than he appears to be?" "I'm not sure," said Fred thoughtfully. "It may be that he knows a good deal more than he explains and it may be that letter he got, which was sent to me first, has made him suspicious of the captain. I don't myself believe there's anything the matter with the captain anyway." "Look yonder!" said John quickly, dropping the fish, which he was cleaning, as he spoke. "Isn't that Mr. Button himself?" Hastily looking in the direction indicated by his friend Fred was silent for a moment and then said, "That's just who it is. What do you suppose he's doing here on this island?" "He isn't on the island yet. I'll tell you later what he does, that is, if he lands. Don't let him see us." Hastily moving behind the high bushes, though neither boy could explain just why he did so, they watched their fellow-guest, as his skiff was swiftly sent ashore and Mr. Button himself stepped out upon the land. It was plain that he was not aware of the presence of the boys and that all his movements were being keenly watched. The interest of the boys, however, was speedily increased and in a brief time both were highly excited when they saw Mr. Button take from his pocket a revolver, which he inspected carefully and after he had returned it to its place he at once started toward the house in the distance. It was the same rude, little shanty in which the boys had found refuge the preceding day. Now, however the sun was shining brightly and the clear waters of the lake were reflecting its beams. There were no signs of life about the house on the shore, but both boys excitedly watched Mr. Button as he made his way across the fields and after a brief time approached the side door of the house and then entered the little building. "Let's go up to the house, too," suggested Fred quickly. "What for?" "Why, there's no reason why we shouldn't go and if there's any fun going on we want to be on hand." "I'm with you," said John cordially, and as soon as they had banked their fire both boys started across the open field toward the house in the distance. "I'm telling you," said Fred in a low voice, "there's something going on up in that house." "You always make a mountain out of a mole hill." "Well, perhaps I do, but I'm sure there's something doing and they may need us before long." "Yes, probably they are wondering now why we don't come," laughed John. "Just you wait," retorted Fred. "You'll see I'm right." "If I thought you were, I know of one fellow who wouldn't go near that house." "But you're going just the same," said Fred positively.