Upon the return of the boys to the island, they discovered that
Fred's grandfather was seated upon the piazza conversing with a
man whose form impressed the Go Ahead boys as being familiar.
When they drew near the house John exclaimed in a low voice,
"That's our friend that we saw on the canal-boat."
His startled companions again glanced hastily at the man and
Grant said, "You're right for once in your life, String. That's
just who it is."
"What is he doing here?" demanded John.
"I can't tell you," said Fred.
"Was he expected this morning?"
"Not to my knowledge."
When the boys went up the steps, however, Mr. Button summoned all
four to come to the place where he was seated.
Somewhat startled by the invitation the boys approached, all
glancing in some confusion at the man seated near Mr. Button. He
was dressed in a different suit now and many of his ways and
manners had been changed for the better. He was now at his ease
and the twinkle that appeared in his eyes was far different from
the expression which the boys had seen there in their earlier
experiences with the man.
"You appear to be acquainted with this man," suggested Mr. Button
dryly.
"We have seen him before," said George.
"And not exactly where you wanted to see him, I fancy," laughed
Mr. Button. "Do you know who he is?"
"No, sir," said George quickly, "and we don't know what he is
either.
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