e been with us a little longer you'll learn that we can do almost
as well by ourselves."

"But I am glad the boys have arrived," agreed Cora. "I never was so
pleased to know that they were on hand."

But a moment later, as they saw the forms of four men leaving the
motor boat, which had been made fast to the dock, Cora shrank back, at
the same time whispering a warning.

"Girls, something is wrong! Those aren't the boys. Quick, get out of
sight!"

She pulled Bess behind a row of bushes, and the others followed
silently. They had started down to the beach from the cabin, but
fortunately managed to conceal themselves in time. The men, walking up
the little slope toward the cabin, had not seen them.

Trembling with nervousness, Cora and her chums awaited the new turn of
events. That it would come soon seemed likely, for the men appeared
bent on something. They had made fast their boat, and came up the
slope openly, as though their errand was the most innocent in the
world. The light still glowed in the cabin.

"Oh, Cora!" gasped Marita. "Suppose they do----do something!"

"Which is very likely they will do," replied Cora. "But don't talk--I
want to watch."

From behind the screen of bushes Cora watched the men coming forward.
The moon still gave a good light, though it was declining in the west.

"Is he there?" Cora heard one of the men ask.

"He seems to be--there's a light going, anyhow," was the answer. "I'd
rather found him in bed, but we can't have all we want."

"Oh, where are the boys!" cried Bess, frantically. "Why don't they
come?"

"I don't know," answered Cora. "Surely they should have been here. But
there must be a good reason why they are not. Jack wouldn't disappoint
us."

"Why don't you include Walter and the others?" asked Belle.

"Of course you know I meant them," Cora retorted. "I can't understand
it--really I can't."

"Perhaps they are in hiding," ventured Lottie.

"They'd have been out before this, if they were," declared Cora.

There came a sudden knock. It was one of the men striking on the door
of Denny's cabin. From their hiding place in the bushes the girls
heard it plainly.

"Listen!" whispered Cora.

They heard the voice of the old fisherman call:

"Who's there? What do you want at this time of night?"

"We've come to see you," was answered in tones Cora recognized as
those of the young man who had raced with her.

"What about?" inquired Denny. "I have no fish to sell