Time did not drag,
however, and it was a merry party on the motor-boat which attracted the
attention of many of the parties they met. In the most informal manner
salutes were given and whistles were tooted whenever boats large or
small passed.

In spite of Miss Susie's apparent carelessness she had provided a most
excellent luncheon, to which ample justice had been done by all on
board, including Mr. Button.

It was late in the afternoon, however, when the two girls were left at
their cottage and the Black Growler sped forward toward Chestnut Island.

As soon as a landing was made Mr. Button at once started for the
cottage.

Left to themselves Fred's three friends quickly turned upon him and
eagerly began to question him concerning his experiences at Cape
Vincent.

"Where's your man that wanted the bond?" demanded George.

"Did you get the bond?" asked Grant.

"Did you find out who that fellow is?" inquired John.

"Hold on, fellows," laughed Fred. "I'll take you one at a time, but I
don't want you all together. Now then speak up, one of you. What is it
you want to know?"

"Did you find out who that man is?" asked John.

"I fancy you're referring to the gentleman who requested us to deliver
to him that five thousand dollar bond?" answered Fred.

"You catch my meaning exactly," answered John solemnly.

"Well, then, let me say that he is just as big a mystery to me as he is
to you."

"Did he get the bond?" demanded Grant.

"I don't know."

"Weren't you with him?"

"I was, but not all the time."

"Did he go to the bank?"

"He certainly did."

"Weren't you there, too? Couldn't you see whether they gave him the
bond or not?"

"Not being able to see through a foot wall, and a door still stronger,
I am unable to give you the information you so courteously request."

"What do you mean? Can't you speak in plain English?"

"I'll do my best," laughed Fred, who so often had been the object of
attention from his friends that now he was rejoiced that in a measure
at least the tables were turned. "Well, we were at the bank," he
continued. "My grandfather told me to stay outside while he went into
Mr. Reese's office. They were in there about five minutes and then Mr.
Reese came out and asked me to tell our canal-boat friend that his
presence was desired in the office, so I went outside the bank and
found the man they were looking for, gave him the message and then I
went back."

"Didn't they want you in