"We've got two things to do while we're here," Sammy told himself. "One is to find out who has been taking Mr. Jessup's stuff, and the other is to find out what the hermit is doing here."
Instead of being worried over the seemingly hard work, Sammy Brown was delighted. It gave him a chance to do something, and this always pleased the lad.
"Well," said Mr. Jessup, after a pause, "there's no need of staying here unless you want to. Better come on to my cabin, and we'll have a meal. Then you can unpack, and get your bearings. Are you warm enough?"
"Oh, yes, indeed!" exclaimed Frank. "Mother made me put on my heavy clothes."
"Well, it's a good idea, for it often gets quite chilly on the island. Now then, forward march!"
Sammy hung back a little.
"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Jessup, looking at him. "Do you see anything?"
"No," was the answer, "but I'd like a chance to go through that deserted mansion."
"Oh, you'll get it all right enough," the hunter promised him. "I've got to straighten up the few rooms I use in a day or so, and you boys can help.
"You see," he explained, "I'm expecting a company of gentlemen up in about two weeks to stay a few days, and there'll be more of them than I can keep in my cabin. So I've got to use a few rooms in the old mansion. I'll have to clean them up a bit though, first."
"Maybe we'll be in the way then," suggested Bob.
"Bless your heart, no! They're in no hurry to come, and I'm going to give you boys a good time first, just as I promised my sister I would. You did her a good turn, and this is the only way I can pay you back.
