e. Even the
Maine boy, standing there on the shore, called out words of commendation
when he saw how cleverly Bob White feathered his paddle, and seemed able
to do almost anything he wished without removing its blade from the
water.

Often when a hunter is creeping up on a feeding deer in the water, this
proves to be a valuable quality, in allowing him to get closer than
would be possible did the water drip from the blade of the paddle every
time it was raised above the surface.

And so they headed straight for the mysterious island. Thad was turned
half-way around in his seat, so that he could observe the shore they
were rapidly approaching. And Bumpus, squatted there amidships like a
big frog, kept his eyes fastened on the same place, with a growing
feeling of uneasiness.

He even wished now that he had not been so greedy to take part in this
exploring expedition. After all, it was much more comfortable ashore,
than in a cranky boat that wobbled every time he chanced to move his
weight from one side to the other. And then again, there was something
rather queer about that same island; the trees and bushes grew so very
dense all over it, and Bumpus wondered if it might not be the home of
wildcats, or even something worse.

One or twice he imagined he could see staring eyes among the bushes, but
was ashamed to mention the fact to his chums.

The boat had arrived at a point within about eighty feet of the shore
when there came to the ears of the three boys a sudden gurgling sound
that sent the blood leaping through their veins much faster than
ordinarily might be the case. Thad turned his head to see what Bumpus
and Bob White might appear to think of that thrilling sound; for it was
not repeated; and although plainly heard, Thad could not at the time
make up his mind whether it was a husky voice calling aloud for help, or
some bird uttering its discordant scream.

CHAPTER XIV.

MAROONED.

"W-w-what d'ye think it was, Thad?" asked Bumpus, presently; and the
fact was very evident that his teeth were rattling at a lively rate,
warm though the afternoon sun was at the time.

Bob White said nothing, only he tried to read the face of their leader.
Bob gave promise of making the finest kind of a Boy Scout. He was next
door to fearless; or at any rate would scorn to allow his natural
feelings to sway him when he believed a sense of duty required his doing
something.

"Well, at first _I_ thought it might be