red. "But we're all in
the same boat, and everything goes. I don't suppose Robinson Crusoe and
Friday were very particular about their table manners. And this is
certainly a Robinson Crusoe stunt we're doing."

"Except that this isn't an island," laughed Lester.

"And there are no cannibals ready to make us into soup," added Bill.

"And our boat hasn't been wrecked," exulted Teddy, looking out over the
water, where the _Ariel_ lay with the firelight reflected from her
side.

CHAPTER IV

A STRANGE MISSION

It seemed to the boys as though they could never get enough, and Fred,
as he saw one bluefish after another vanish, reminded the others that
they would want something for breakfast the next morning. But at last
even their ravenous appetites were satisfied, and they lay back on the
sand, blissfully content.

"Easy camping," remarked Teddy lazily. "No dishes to wash, no beds to
make, nothing to do till to-morrow."

"Do you think the storm will be over by that time, Lester?" asked Fred.

"I guess so," answered Lester, as he looked up at the sky where some
stars showed through. "The clouds seem to be breaking away and the wind
has died down a little. The surf doesn't sound so loud on the cliffs
outside, either."

"I suppose your father will be worried when we don't get back to-night,"
remarked Bill.

"I'm afraid he will," assented Lester. "But I've had to stay away
sometimes before when I've been caught in a squall, and he knows the
_Ariel_ is a pretty staunch boat. Still, he can't help feeling
worried, and we'll make sail for home the first thing in the morning."

By this time, their clothes had dried in the warmth of the fire, and the
comfort that this gave, together with the hearty meal they had eaten,
put the youths in a state of supreme content. They were at peace with
themselves and with all the world, and their satisfaction was all the
greater by contrast with their peril of the afternoon.

The stranger had eaten heartily and joined freely in the conversation,
but by tacit consent they had waited till the meal was over before they
discussed his narrow escape. The Rally Hall boys had had time to take
the unknown one's measure, and the general impression was favorable.

He was a clean-cut, well set up youth of about sixteen years. His form
was lithe and muscular, his hair black, and his eyes frank and friendly.
His speech showed education, and his manners were easy and correct.

If there was