sher-boy to find out what success he had had, when the latter appeared
on the scene with a look in his face that startled the youth at the
radio table.

"What's the matter, Bud?" Hal inquired, as he literally tore the phones
from his ears. "Has anything happened?"

"Not exactly," the other replied. "But I've made a discovery that
may mean trouble for us. At least, we'll have to be on the lookout
from now on."

"Why--what do you mean? Hurry up; don't keep me in suspense. What kind of
discovery have you made?"

"I've discovered that we're not the only persons on this island," was
Bud's chilling response.

CHAPTER XVIII

Unwelcome Visitors

"Why, Bud, what do you mean?" Hal demanded, in astonishment. "Who else is
on this island?"

"Some men. I don't know how many," Bud replied in cautious tone. "I heard
them talking about us. But keep your voice low, for this island is small
and they may hear you."

"I was going to remark that this is a small island to contain much of a
hiding place for anybody."

"Yes, but it's wild with bushes. And these men are bad fellows, I could
tell from the way they talked about us. They're as mad as hops 'cause
we're here. They're studying how to get rid of us without making more
trouble for themselves."

"That's funny," Hal remarked. "Why should they care if we're here? Do
they claim they own this island?"

"I don't know whether they do or not. I didn't hear them say anything
about that."

"Where are they now?"

"Over near our fishing place, if they haven't left. They were hidden in
some bushes, and I might 'ave run right into them if it hadn't been for
their voices. After I heard them I kept myself under cover and crept
closer till I could get what they said."

"Were you listening to them all the time you were gone?"

"Just about."

"And didn't you find out anything more specific than what you've told
me?"

"No, I don't think I did."

"Why did you leave them?"

"They seemed to 've talked the subject dry and turned to other matters,
and I thought I'd better come and tell you about it."

"And they're there yet?"

"So far as I know."

"After they'd talked their subject dry, what did they find to discuss?"
asked Hal.

"Something wet," Bud answered with a grin.

"I get you; you mean they had some moonshine with them."

"Or some Canadian whisky."

"Probably that. But this makes the situation look a little better for us.
If they're just a bunch of fellows