?" wondered Billy. "Where in the world
did they come from?"

"They probably rose from the sea like Neptune," scoffed George.

The "Red Rover" lay idly rising and falling on the slight swell,
standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning sunlight. There
were no signs of life on board. The boat was anchored some distance from
the camp occupied by the boys, but not far out from the shore of the
island. Naturally the houseboat was a little distance from the secret
channel.

"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry
enthusiastically.

George gave him a withering look.

"The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine opinion of us they
would have, were we to go out there at this hour. Do you know what time
it is?"

"I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of day,"
replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth.

"Well, it is a quarter after five."

The boys groaned.

"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled Sam. "What
are we going to do about it, anyway?"

"You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into your
clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire while you are
bathing."

The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a shout and
yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the noise they could,
hoping to attract the attention of the girls so as to have the
opportunity to get out to the houseboat as early as possible. But
eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, the houseboat showed no activity.

"They must be good sleepers over there," said Larry.

Captain George smiled to himself.

"They are only shamming," he muttered under his breath.

Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed the boys, and
the coffee and food did likewise. After they had finished their
breakfast they were in great good humor. At half past eight, there still
being no signs of life on board the houseboat, Billy declared that he
was going out in the launch to see if he couldn't stir up something.
All hands piled into the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments
to run to the houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking
loudly. The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in the
gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly closed.

Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" the Tramp
Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat down to watch and
wait. Nine