"What did you run for then?" asked Sammy.
"'Cause you fellows did. Think I was going to stay there all alone and tackle him? I was not! So he isn't coming after us; eh?"
"No, there he stands," answered Sammy, peering through the darkness. They could just make out the old hermit, and as they looked they saw him shake his fist at them. Then he disappeared behind a tree.
"Well, come on, let's get on our skates and make for home," proposed Frank. "It's getting late, and the folks will be worried."
"That's right," agreed Sammy. "But I guess, after this, you fellows will believe what I tell you about hermits and—and things; won't you?"
"Well, you were right about the hermit," admitted Frank. "He sure is there. But that doesn't say there's treasure on the island."
"Treasure! Of course there is!" insisted Sammy. "Did you ever know of a hermit where there wasn't treasure? That's what hermits are for—to guard a treasure."
"Well, maybe," said Bob, slowly. "Anyhow if there was treasure on the island, I wouldn't want to hunt for it if that terrible old man was guarding it."
"I would," spoke Sammy, bravely. "Maybe he doesn't look so scary by daytime. I'm coming up again."
"I'm not!" exclaimed Bob. But none of the boys knew how soon they would again visit Pine Island, nor what strange adventures they would have there.
They soon had their skates on, and struck off across the frozen lake toward Fairview and their homes. It grew darker and darker, but presently the stars came out, and as the ice was glaring white they did not have much trouble seeing their way.
