"We had bad luck last evening," explained John. "We started from Cockburn Island in the _Gadabout_ but we got out of our course. Then the first thing we knew our gasoline was gone and we had an accident in the shaft or the blades of the propeller. We thought that we might be able to get some help, so two of us left the boat and started ashore in our skiff. But we lost our way and that's why we're here and not where we want to be." "Where other man?" inquired the Japanese. "What other man? Do you mean Mr. Ferdinand Button?" "Yah. Where Mr. Button now?" "That's the very question that we would like to have you answer for us," said Fred. "We don't know whether the _Gadabout_ is lost somewhere or the other fellows think we are lost and have gone back to Mackinac. That's why we want to go back there ourselves and we'll pay well if you'll take us there on board your boat." This time the Japanese did not laugh, but there was a peculiar expression that appeared for an instant in his eyes and that alarmed John, although Fred had not seen that which so greatly troubled his companion. "When are you going back?" demanded John. "Two hour." "Have you got anything more to eat on board your boat?" Once more the strange laughter was heard but the Japanese did not reply to the question. "It will be two hours before they start, the Jap says," said Fred, turning to John as he spoke. "Well, there isn't anything to do except to wait for the time to come, is there?" "I don't know what to do." "I do," observed John. "We'll wait until that man comes back here and then we'll tell him of our troubles and I'm sure he will take us on board. If he won't take us to Mackinac at least he will take us back to his house." "Maybe he will," responded Fred somewhat dubiously. "Here he comes, anyway," said John quickly, as glancing toward the woods he discovered the man approaching, who was the subject of their conversation. The boys waited until the man drew near and when he discovered their presence his remarks were not complimentary to either of his would-be passengers. "No, sir, I cannot take either one of you," he said positively. "I have something else to do. In fact I have got to do it. I cannot go to Mackinac to-day under any circumstances. But what are you two boys doing here? You haven't explained that yet." "We don't know," said John, "just why we're here. About all that we know is that we are here and we want to get away." "How do you propose to leave?" "We want you to take us on your motor-boat." "And I have already explained to you," said the stranger, "why I cannot do that." "We'll pay you well for it," suggested Fred. "It isn't a question of pay," said the man. "It's simply a question of my not being able to do what you want." "But how are we going to get away from this place? Is this the mainland?" "No, it's an island. It is commonly called Western Duck Island."