rescue."

These and subsequent proceedings, in furtherance of the plan outlined
"over the wireless" by Hal, took considerable time, but at last the
situation was made clear to Mr. Baker, who announced his intention to
start on a search for his son at once. Meanwhile Bud and Cub listened-in
eagerly and translated the code messages for Mr. Perry.

"I tell you what we'll do," the latter said after the communication of
events had been completed for the benefit of Mr. Baker. "Tell him to take
a train to some river port, the nearest possible to this island, and
we'll meet him with the motor boat."

Hal did as requested, and presently Mr. Baker caused this message
to be sent:

"I will meet you at Rockport about noon to-morrow."

"Step number one proved to be well worth while," observed Mr. Perry. "Now
let's go to bed and in the morning we'll take step number two."

CHAPTER XVII

Bud's Discovery

Next morning the day's program was discussed at the breakfast table, the
latter being a light collapsible affair carried as an item of equipment
of the Catwhisker. Hal introduced the subject by saying:

"Mr. Perry, don't you think two of us ought to stay here while the other
two of us make the trip to bring Uncle John over here?"

"What's the use?" Mr. Perry returned. "Nobody's going to run away with
the island."

"No, but we've established a camp here, pitched a tent, and brought
ashore a lot of camp material and supplies. If we all go we'll have to
strike the tent and take all these things back on the boat."

"Well, I don't know that it makes any particular difference to me," the
owner of the yacht replied. "It'll be broad daylight and we'll be gone
only a few hours. It isn't at all likely that anything will happen during
that time."

"I'll stay here with Hal, if he wants to stay," Bud volunteered.

"That would be about the only way to arrange it," said Mr. Perry. "I
don't like to have any of you boys make the trip without my being along,
and as Cub knows the engine of the Catwhisker better than any other
member of our party, I think I'd better take him with me."

"That's the best arrangement," said Hal. "And while you're gone, Bud and
I'll play Robinson Crusoe and Friday."

"Who'll be Crusoe and who'll be Friday?" Cub inquired.

"Oh, we won't quarrel about that," Bud replied. "Hal may have his choice
and I'll take what's left."

"This plan will simplify matters, to say the least," Mr. Perry announced.