Obediently the boys followed the instructions and waited until the motor-boat had come within twenty feet of the shore. There the power was shut off and the course slightly reversed, so that the _Gadabout_, for it was indeed the missing boat, came slowly about, broadside to the island. Although the boat was so near, it was impossible for John or Fred to see who was steering. They were aware that at least three were on board for they saw plainly the forms of the men as they let go the anchor and the boat became stationary. "I guess it's George and Grant--" began Fred, at the same time preparing to advance near the water. He was sharply recalled, however, by Mr. Button, who once more urged the boys to remain behind the bushes where they had taken their stand until they had seen who made up the party on the _Gadabout_. Only a brief time elapsed before a man stepped on board a skiff and pushed out from the motor-boat to the shore. Without using his oars the boat soon ground on the beach and when the occupant stepped forth both of the watching boys were aware that it was the mate of the _Gadabout_. He pulled his skiff up on the shore, and then, scarcely glancing behind him, at once passed swiftly into the field and soon disappeared from sight. "He's going up to the house," said Fred in his excitement. "It looks like it," said John. "Shall we follow him?" He had turned to Mr. Button as he spoke. "No," said the man quickly. "The thing for us to do is to take this skiff and board the _Gadabout_." "All right," said John eagerly. "Hadn't we better hail the other fellows before we do that though? We are not sure that Grant and George are on board." "Yes, hail them," said Mr. Button, "but don't make much noise about it." John stepped forth from behind the bushes and taking his stand on the shore called, "Ahoy there! George, is that you?" "Who's that?" came the response from the motor-boat. "Fred and I are here," responded John. "Who are 'I'?" laughingly came from some one on board the _Gadabout_. "I guess you know who we are. That's you, isn't it, George?" "It's Grant and I." "That's all I wanted to know," responded John. "Wait a minute and we'll be with you." John and Fred quickly hauled the skiff into the water but before they had taken their seats Mr. Button approached and said, "Don't leave me behind, boys." "We aren't going to stay very long," suggested Fred. "That will be all right," said Mr. Button, "but take me with you." The boys delayed a moment while Mr. Button stepped on board and seated himself in the stern of the little skiff. A moment later the little boat was alongside the _Gadabout_ and all three stepped on board, Fred still holding the painter in his hand. Before them sat George and Grant peering eagerly into their faces and plainly surprised by the unexpected action of their companions. "We must leave right away," said Mr. Button. "What for?" demanded Fred.