Striving to calm their fears the boys gazed out over the smooth waters. For two days now the surface of Lake Huron had been almost unruffled. Such gentle breezes as were blowing produced only the slightest ripple on the surface. In the clear waters, objects on the shore were reflected almost as in a mirror. None of these things, however, was in the thoughts of the two boys as they watched the bluffs of Mackinac Island fade away in the distance. They had done their utmost to describe to their captain the location in which they had left their friends the preceding night. That bluff individual had heartily declared that he understood just where the accident had occurred, but somehow his confidence was not fully shared by either of his passengers. "He tries to make up for what he doesn't know by stating with all his might the things he does know," said George in a low voice to Grant when the boys had taken their seats near the stern of the boat. "That's what some people say," answered Grant. "'A lie well stuck to is as good as the truth.'" "I don't believe that," said George. "Don't believe what?" "That a lie ever is as good as the truth." "I didn't say that. I said a lie well stuck to was as good as the truth." "I don't believe it is ever right to lie." "Well, I do," said Grant positively. "When?" "Why, if you were dreadfully sick and it would be a shock to you to know that you were likely to die I think it would be all right to lie and tell you that you looked well." "I would know that was a lie just as soon as you said it," laughed George, "but I wouldn't lie even then." "What would you do?" "I would do nothing." "Well, suppose you had to say something." "I would say what I thought was true." "Wouldn't you lie if the doctor told you to?" "No. I tell you I don't believe a lie is ever right." "I don't believe in lieing in general, but I can see times when I think it might be all right." "The trouble is, when a fellow begins he goes ahead. He doesn't stop with lies that may not be so bad, but he keeps on and tries it in a good many other ways. No, sir, I haven't any use for a liar. If I give my word I intend to keep it." Conversation ceased and both boys anxiously were peering before them. The captain already had explained that they were doubtless near the shore of Western Duck Island where their accident had occurred and their companions had been lost. He had explained also that in his judgment it was wisest to go again to the same spot as nearly as possible and there begin their search for the missing boys. He sturdily maintained his feeling that the boys were not "lost," a confidence, however, that was not shared by his passengers as the boat swiftly sped across the surface of the shining waters. "I sometimes think the captain is right," said George thoughtfully. "Last night was as calm as a night could well be and, as he said, if the fellows got into trouble they must have tried to look it up."