He went back with caution and made an inspection. The third snake was nowhere in sight, and what had become of it he could not tell. “I think you girls had better let us carry you,” said Pepper. “Then the snakes won’t be able to get at you, even if they do appear.” At first the girls demurred at being carried. But they hated to step where the snakes had shown themselves, and finally consented. Pepper took Flossie in his arms and Jack followed with Laura, and Andy and Dale, armed with stones and their jackknives, led the way. The girls might have giggled at being taken up like children, but they were too alarmed to do so. Just as the headland was passed and Pepper and Jack had deposited their burdens on their feet, Mr. and Mrs. Ford appeared. The gentleman and his wife were greatly excited. “Didn’t we hear the girls scream?” asked the lady anxiously. “I guess you did, mamma,” answered Laura. “We ran into a nest of snakes!” said Flossie. “The boys killed two of them! Oh, it was awful!” And Flossie ran to her mother and caught her by the arm. “Snakes!” exclaimed Rossmore Ford. “Where?” The boys pointed out the spot and told what had been done. Mr. and Mrs. Ford were much concerned. “You had better not climb over any more of the rocks,” said the lady. “It is too dangerous.” “I don’t think the snakes are poisonous,” said her husband. “Still, I think we had all better try to keep out of their way after this. I did not think there were any on the island.” “The folks who hold picnics here ought to know about them,” said Jack. “Well, snakes are to be found almost anywhere where there are rocks,” answered Rossmore Ford. “Come, let us go back to where we left our things. My wife and I were just dozing away with our backs to a tree when we heard the screams. We could not locate them at first and were much worried.” Knowing that the girls would not care to climb the rocks after such a scare, the cadets walked back to the camping place with the Fords. “I am glad you knifed that snake, Dale,” said Jack on the way. “It was a brave thing to do.” “Oh, it wasn’t much,” was the modest reply. “I was once in a camp in the mountains and saw an old hunter do it.” The party had hardly reached the spot where the campfire had been built when the man who ran the launch appeared. “Where did you go?” he asked hurriedly of Mr. Ford. “I have been looking all over for you.” “What do you want, Mr. Fales?” “I came to see you about the launch. She is gone!” “Gone!” echoed Rossmore Ford, while the cadets listened with interest. “Yes, sir—disappeared while I was having dinner. I thought she might have drifted around the shore, but I can’t find her anywhere.” “Did you tie her fast?” asked Pepper. “Certainly, I always tie up when I come ashore,” answered Able Fales. “Let us go down to the shore and take a look around,” suggested Jack.