"No, we don't want you to 'give' us anything," retorted Fred. "I have got my watch here and I thought perhaps if I left it as security you would let us have some breakfast. We'll send you the money just as soon as we can go back to Mackinac. These clothes we have on," he added as he perceived that the man was closely regarding their outfit, "were given us by the sailors that rescued us. We have got some different clothes down at the dock, but they were soaked through and so some of the crew fixed us up as well as they could." "What boat did you come on?" "I don't know," said Fred, "it was almost dark and we weren't thinking about the name, we were so anxious to be taken on board. After we had been in the water as long as we were we didn't stop for little things like that. Will you take the watch and let us have some breakfast?" Extending his hand the man took the watch and then examined it with interest. "That's a good watch," he said after a brief silence. "Of course it is," said Fred. "My father gave it to me." "You are sure that's the way you got it?" "I'm telling you the truth," said Fred seriously. He was in no mood now to resent any implications as to the method by which the watch had come into his possession. The odor of breakfast was strong in the room and the appetites of both boys were so keen that other things were ignored. "Yes, I'll take your watch," said the man. "You give me your name and address." As soon as these had been given the boys seated themselves at one of the tables and in a brief time were served with a simple breakfast. It was marvelous, however, the amount of food which was eaten by the hungry lads. It had been a long time since they had tasted anything of the kind and even the proprietor laughed as he saw the simple breakfast disappear. At last, when the boys could eat no more and they were preparing to depart, the proprietor said, "Did you tell me that you were staying at Mackinac Island?" "Yes, sir," answered Fred. "At one of the hotels?" "Yes, sir." "Then my advice to you is to telegraph there for money." "I hadn't thought of that," said Fred quickly. "That's the very thing we'll do. Come on, Jack," he added, turning to his companion. "We'll go to the telegraph office right away. Will you tell us where it is, please?" he asked of the restaurant keeper. Stepping outside his door the proprietor pointed to the office and after they had thanked him for his kindness John and Fred at once started for the place. Their troubles, however, were not ended, for again they found their appearance decidedly against them. The telegraph operator refused to take any message that should be paid for at Mackinac. He also refused to listen to any of their explanations and in response to the appeals of the boys explained that he had to be governed by the rules of the office.