delayed, and it was almost dusk when they came opposite the far end of the island. This was a place they had seldom, if ever, visited.
"Well, here we are at last," said Sammy. "I'm going to take off my skates and go ashore a while. My feet ache."
"We really ought to go back," said Frank, slowly. "It's getting dark, and if we're as long going home as we were coming it will be after six when we get in. The folks will worry."
"Oh, well, we won't stay but a minute—just to rest," said Bob. "I'm all out of wind."
"Well, all right," agreed Frank.
So they took off their skates and walked on the island. It was covered with snow, and curiously still and silent.
"I wonder where Mr. Jessup has his cabin?" spoke Sammy.
"Probably well inland," said Frank.
"Hark!" cautioned Bob.
There sounded a rustling in the bushes just ahead of the boys, near a clump of trees. Something moved.
"Maybe it's a bear!" exclaimed Sammy.
"Huh! Like the one you thought you saw before, only it was a dog!" laughed Bob.
"Forget it!" grunted Sammy. He did not like to be reminded of that.
"Look!" suddenly exclaimed Frank. With trembling finger he pointed straight ahead. It seemed as if a snowbank was moving. And then the boys saw a queer sight.
A shaggy head of white hair, and a long white beard rose up almost in front of them. The hair and beard framed a scowling face, that glared directly at the three boys.
"Quick! Run!" cried Sammy. "It's the wild hermit of Pine Island!"
