But the ruse failed of its purpose for Laura was even then leading her parents to them and, whether they liked it or not, they were obliged to submit to the praise and thanks of not only her parents but of many others as well. Laura and both her parents insisted that they remain with them all night, but the boys assured them that it was impossible on account of their friend, Steve. “He’ll be worried sick if we don’t get back to-night,” Bill told them. They finally made their escape but not until they had promised to return within the next few days. “Well, we got out of that better than I expected,” Bill declared as soon as the plane was headed back toward Molokai. “I do hate that hero stuff,” Gordon said. “But if you will do such things you must expect to be thanked, you know.” “I suppose so.” “She’s a pretty girl.” “Is she?” “And she’s as nice as she is pretty.” “Think so?” “Don’t you?” “Haven’t thought much about it.” “Then take it from me.” “I’ll do that.” “Funny she didn’t ask us what we’re doing on that island,” Bill said a few minutes later. “I thought of that. And her folks didn’t seem inquisitive either.” “Guess, maybe, we didn’t give them time.” “Wouldn’t wonder. They’ll probably want to know when we see them again.” “Some home they’ve got.” “Some is right.” “They seemed like nice people.” “Sure did.” By this time it was pretty dark but they were not afraid of losing their way as they knew Rogers would have a big fire going to guide them. And a few minutes later Gordon announced that he could see it. “Got her home all right?” Rogers asked as they jumped out. “Safe and sound,” Gordon told him. “How about supper?” “All ready.” “Lead me to it.” CHAPTER XIV THE SECRET OF THE HOLE “Well, I wonder what will happen to interrupt our work to-day.” Bill was frying flap-jacks and Rogers had gone to the brook for water while Gordon was making the coffee. It was Gordon who made the remark. “It won’t take us long to find out what’s what if we don’t get stopped again,” Bill told him as he flipped a cake in the pan. “Honest injun, Bill, do you have the least idea that we’re going to find anything?” “How do I know, I——” “I didn’t ask you what you know. I asked what you think.” “One think’s as good as another, I guess,” Bill laughed. “Wait till we get that rock out and I’ll tell you.” “That’ll be mighty kind.” “What do you think about it?” “I think it’s a pretty long shot.” “You don’t think we’ll find any platinum?” “Not a bit.” “Well, we’ve had a pretty good time anyhow.” “And met a pretty girl.” “Rather.” It was after seven o’clock, but on account of the tide they had slept later than usual and were in no hurry. But breakfast was ready when Rogers returned with the water, and they took their time eating. “Suppose we don’t find the platinum in that hole,” Gordon suggested, “Are we going to hunt any more?”