The actions of the man, however, soon became more mysterious and puzzling. Out of his pocket he took a small package and seating himself upon a rock he proceeded to open it. There were occasional flashes of light that were reflected in the eyes of the boys, although neither were able to discover the contents. After carefully refolding the package the man restored it to his pocket and then advancing toward the higher bank stopped for a moment there and peered intently all about him. Apparently satisfied that he was unobserved the mysterious stranger then advanced rapidly toward some woods in the distance. He had, however, gone only a part of the intervening distance when another man was seen approaching from the midst of the trees and in a brief time the two men met. There was a hasty consultation which greatly interested the boys, although they were unable to discover its purpose. They were convinced, however, or at least Fred was positive, that there had been an exchange of packages made by the two men and then instead of returning to the shore the man whom they had been watching advanced beside the stranger and soon both were lost to sight within the borders of the woods. Meanwhile the motor-boat had been left in charge of the man who had come to the island with the mysterious visitor. Neither of the boys had obtained a clear look at him until Fred suggested, "What's the use? We're making a mountain out of a molehill. Come on, let's go and speak to the man on board the motor-boat." John hesitated a moment and then quickly followed his friend, as they advanced openly along the shore. "Do you see who that is?" whispered Fred, clutching John by the arm. "Yes, I do," answered John. "It's that little Jap that we saw on Cockburn Island." "That's exactly who it is. What do you suppose he's doing here?" "He's not doing much of anything just now. I should guess that he is in charge of the boat until his boss comes back. I'm going to hail him." In response to John's hail the little Japanese quickly turned and glanced in the direction from which the unexpected call had come. "He doesn't understand English, don't you remember?" said Fred. "I know he pretended that he didn't, but we'll see how much he knows now. Got anything to eat on board?" called John, turning once more toward the motor-boat. The first feeling of alarm or surprise had passed and the little manservant now broke into another of his loud and unmusical laughs. "Got any breakfast? Got anything on board to eat?" again called John. It was plain now that the Japanese understood what was said, for in broken English he explained that he had some articles of food on the motor-boat. "I wonder if you'll sell us some?" inquired Fred eagerly. "We'll come aboard and see what you have got." Quickly taking the stranger's skiff the boys rowed out to the motor-boat and after they had made it fast, stepped on board.