"I think I can get you over to the shore of Drummond Island, but I should like very much to have you wait a little while before we start." "All right," replied both boys together. "Meanwhile," suggested Mr. Button, "I would like to have you come with me up the shore as far as that cove where the mate left his skiff after it was stove in. It isn't more than one hundred yards or so from here." The boys readily consented after they had assisted Mr. Button to haul his boat farther up on the beach. Whatever the purpose in the mind of the man was he did not explain, nor were the boys able to conjecture what it was after they had walked along the shore as far as the cove and then had returned to the spot where the skiff in which Mr. Button had come had been left. Their consternation, however, was great when after a vain search they were convinced that the skiff was gone. That it could have drifted away was impossible. All three were alike convinced of that fact. There was not much wind now and the little boat had been hauled so far from the water that it was impossible for it to drift away. There was only one conclusion and that was that some one had taken it. For a moment they stood in silence after they were convinced that the boat indeed was gone, and then the boys, keenly excited, turned to their companion demanding what he would suggest as the next thing to be done. CHAPTER X THE FLIGHT OF THE GADABOUT For several minutes the boys ran up and down the shore vainly searching for the missing boat. They were convinced that some one had taken the skiff and probably was not far away, as it would be impossible for any one to go far during the short time that had elapsed since they had left the spot where Mr. Button had landed. At last the search was abandoned and when the boys returned they discovered Mr. Button awaiting their coming. "Listen, boys," he said in a low voice. "Do you hear any sound?" The boys were silent, but in a brief time Fred said quickly, "Yes, sir, I think I hear a motor-boat." "You are correct," said Mr. Button. "There's a boat coming this way. I have been sure of it for two or three minutes, but I have not been able to make out its outlines, as yet. Can either of you boys see it?" Neither Fred nor John was able to discern the outlines of the boat, which steadily sounded nearer. A few minutes only had passed before Fred gleefully announced his discovery of the approaching motor-boat. "I think it must be the _Gadabout_," he said eagerly. "Probably George and Grant are on board and they are looking for us. Shall I hail them?" "No, no," said Mr. Button quickly. "At least not yet. We had better wait here until we are sure who is on board."