thing. Besides, why should not the old man know something of hidden
treasure? He had sailed in many waters and been on many ships. Bob
decided he would visit him that night.

Accordingly, when it grew dusk, he set off for the lonely house
where the old sailor lived. It was quite a walk, but in his
eagerness Bob covered the ground in short time. As he was passing a
clump of bushes, not far from his destination, he was surprised to
hear a voice calling sharply from the darkness:

"Avast there!"

"Who is it?" asked Bob.

"It's me," replied Captain Obed in his husky voice. "I hid out here
to signal you so's you wouldn't be followed."

"Followed? Who by?"

"By persons anxious to get hold of the secret map that tells of the
treasure buried on the island. Are you all alone, Bob?"

"Of course."

"Then go ahead into my house. I'll follow as soon as I've taken an
observation."

The boy thought the old man must be rather queer to imagine any one
would try to steal his secret, if secret he had. Bob was half
inclined to give the whole thing up. But he walked on, and was soon