Both George and Grant were depressed now for they had been working busily throughout most of the day and all their efforts had been unavailing. The missing boys had not been found nor had anything been discovered to indicate that their friends had even landed on Western Duck Island. "They will be all right," said the captain, striving to cheer up his downhearted young companions. "They'll take care of themselves. There hasn't been any storm and two boys in such weather can't get into trouble on Lake Huron unless they try to and you say they aren't that kind." "No," said George quickly. "They wouldn't be looking for trouble, but trouble may have been looking for them." "I guess not," laughed the captain. "Most likely when we get back to Mackinac you'll find they are already there or else have chartered another motor-boat to go out and look for you." As the boys were about to take their places on board the little craft they were surprised when they heard a hail from some one who was approaching from the woods. In a brief time it was manifest that the man whom they had seen on Cockburn Island was the one who was now before them and that he was earnest in his request for them not to depart before he joined them. "Are you going to leave now?" inquired the man when at last he stood beside the boys who were ready to embark on the little skiff and row out to the motor-boat. "Yes, sir," said Grant quickly. "I am wondering if you'll be willing to take me on board." "As far as I'm concerned, I'm willing." "I guess the captain wouldn't object if I agreed to pay him. How about it?" added the new passenger, turning to the captain as he spoke. "The boys have chartered the boat," said the captain, "and I haven't anything to say about it. They'll have to decide." "Do you want to go to Mackinac?" inquired Grant. "No," replied the man. "I want to stop at Cockburn Island." "That's out of our course," said the captain quickly. "We shall cut right across to Mackinac. In weather like this we're as safe as we would be on a mill-pond." "I'll pay you well for my passage." "How much longer will it take?" inquired George turning to the captain as he spoke. "We shan't get back to Mackinac before eleven o'clock if you go by Cockburn Island." "It's very important," broke in the man. "I ought to be there now. I'll pay you ten dollars if you'll take me." "All right," said George, after he glanced questioningly at his companion. Without delaying, the man at once stepped on board the skiff and in a few minutes all three were on board of the motor-boat. There was no delay now and the swift little boat was soon leaving Western Duck Island behind it.