Eagerly the boys watched the coming of the motor-boat. It steadily became more distinct and not many minutes had elapsed before both boys were convinced that the little boat was nearly of the size of the _Gadabout_. Then they were able to distinguish two men on board, one at the wheel and one seated in the stern. "I thought at first it might be the _Gadabout_," said Fred in a low voice. "So did I," joined in John. "I can see now that it isn't." "So can I. What do you suppose it is?" "I haven't the remotest idea. If we wait long enough we'll find out." "What do you suppose that boat is coming here for?" inquired Fred. "That's another thing you'll have to wait to find out. You're a great lad. You make me think of what the headmaster said the other day." "What did he say?" inquired Fred. "He often makes remarks to you that I don't hear, and some of them I am very glad I don't." "That's all right, too," said John. "What he told us the other day was that children and savages are the people that are the most likely to give way to their feelings. They laugh and cry when strong people keep quiet." "What do you mean by that?" demanded Fred sharply. "I don't mean anything. I'm just telling you what the headmaster said." "They are going to land right in here," said Fred abruptly, as the motor-boat slightly changed its course and apparently was approaching the very place where the boys had made their unfortunate landing. "Let's go farther back," suggested John. "Maybe it is some more of this strange business. It won't do any harm if they don't see us and I don't believe they have yet because they wouldn't be looking for anybody where we are." "Come ahead," suggested Fred, quickly acting upon the advice of his companion. Drawing farther back and yet still remaining in a position from which they were able to see the approaching boat, the boys were confident that they would not be seen. Both excitedly were watching the coming boat. In a brief time the power was shut off and the anchor was cast overboard. Then in a small skiff, which the motor-boat had in tow, the man who had been at the wheel quickly rowed toward the shore. "Do you see who that is?" whispered Fred in great excitement. "I do," replied John quickly. "It is that man that we saw on Cockburn Island. It is the same one that came over to Mackinac. What do you suppose he's coming here for?" "You know just as much about it as I do. If we keep still we may be able to learn more in a little while." The excitement of the watching boys did not decrease when they saw the man, who now they were convinced was indeed their recent reluctant host on Cockburn Island, step quickly ashore and then draw his boat up on the beach. Apparently the presence of the other skiff had not yet been noted. Indeed, the boys were quite confident it had not been discovered, as the place where they had landed was around a little bend in a small cove.