h us, or we shall break our precious
necks," suggested Sam.

"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy on the other
side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be back until late this
evening, and for him to keep circling the island until he finds us back
in camp again. Better take some grub along. We can stand it to eat a
cold supper for once. We will have a warm one when we get back."

After having made their preparations the boys started out, all the
others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's party starting next,
George Baker leaving the camp last. In that way they planned to keep
pretty nearly abreast.

* * * * *

About this time Crazy Jane McCarthy, face flushed, hair down, her skirt
torn in several places, might have been seen fleeing along the shore of
the island, running away from the Tramp Club's camp and toward their own
secret nook, where the "Red Rover" was lying calmly at anchor in the
half cave that had furnished a hiding place for the girls before.

She came tearing through the bushes nearly falling into the lower end of
the stream.

"They're coming!" she shouted. "Get to cover!"

"Sh-h-h!" warned Hazel, who sat awaiting Jane, in the rowboat. "I hear a
motor boat outside. I think it is the boys' boat."

"I tell you they are on their way to search the island," answered Jane.

"All of them?"

"All but Billy Gordon. He has gone off in the launch to keep an eye on
the shore."

"Then that is his boat out there. Get in here. I am worried that Harriet
is still out."

Just then a soft "hoo-e-e-e" from the bushes on the opposite side of the
stream, told them that Harriet Burrell had returned. She had been out on
a scouting expedition. Hazel rowed over to the other side of the creek.
Harriet jumped aboard. Jane, in excited whispers, told her that the boys
were coming and that Billy was out in the launch.

"I know. I saw him just a few moments ago. What are their plans?"

Crazy Jane explained what she had been able to hear when she was
observing the Tramp Club's camp. She had seen Larry pick up Harriet's
handkerchief, though she was not aware that it was Harriet's.

"That is where I lost it, is it?" laughed Harriet. "It is all right.
That will encourage them. If they go on beyond here they will find other
evidences that will lead them still further on. You see I wanted to get
them as far away from home as possible so as to keep them out after