A half-hour later Mr. Button announced through his megaphone that the time had arrived when there was no longer need for them to be towed. They could plainly see the yachts in the harbor and the people moving along the streets. To enter the harbor would compel the huge boat to change its course, an act which no one desired. Accordingly after hailing the crew and expressing the thanks of himself and his companions for the aid they had received, Mr. Button gave the word and the little _Gadabout_ was set free from the great steamer. Another motor-boat near by, the occupants of which were deeply interested spectators of what was occurring, at once took the _Gadabout_ in tow and noisily proceeded toward the wharf which was not more than two hundred yards away. There were many questions asked of the rescued party, all of which were promptly answered, but as soon as the boys landed they at once began to make inquiries for a boat which could be chartered for a search for their missing friends. At last, however, they listened to the persuasions of Mr. Button and went up to the hotel where they obtained a dinner, which satisfied them after their long fast. Then, quickly returning to the dock they found their boat awaiting them and at once stepped on board. Already they had explained to the owner the peril of the friends and the reason why they had chartered the swiftest boat which could be obtained. "We'll be there before long," said the captain confidently. "Have you brought anything for your friends to eat?" "Yes, we have a basket full here," explained George, pointing to a hamper which one of the waiters from the hotel had placed on board. "We thought they would be hungry so we got it ready." "That's all right, they will be," said the captain. "You don't suppose anything has happened to them, do you?" inquired George anxiously. "That's something no man knows," replied the captain not unkindly, "but we'll soon find out." CHAPTER XVIII THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST BOYS The impatience of the boys was manifest when the swift little boat set forth on its voyage. Already they had made thorough investigations about the island, but not a word concerning their missing friends had been heard. The anxiety of both George and Grant was well-nigh overpowering, although both did their utmost to heed the comforting words of the captain of the little yacht. "Don't you worry none," he said cheerily. "Them boys will take care of themselves. It was a ca'm night and the only way those fellows could git into trouble would be by trying to run into it." "That's what Fred may have done," said George dryly. "If there's anything of that kind around he usually finds it." "I guess you'll find the boys all right," affirmed the captain.