a place shunned by the country folk because of its reputation of
being haunted.[2] Another delightful summer had been spent by the
boys in a camp in the Canadian woods.[3] All these experiences
had only prepared the way for the days which now were confronting
them.

[1] See "The Go Ahead Boys and The Treasure Cave."

[2] "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

[3] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Island Camp."

Every one was confident that the Black Growler would give a good
account of herself in the motor-boat races which were to be held
on the St. Lawrence River. The grandfather of Fred Button, who
was the fortunate owner of an island in the majestic river, had
invited the boys to spend a month with him in his cottage.
Incidentally he had explained that their visit would be at the
time when the boat races occurred, which he had no question they
all would greatly enjoy. He was unaware that Mr. Button had
already purchased a motor-boat of marvelous speed, although at
the time he had no thought that it would be entered in any
contest or races.

Yielding to Fred's persuasions at last his father had somewhat
reluctantly given his consent for the boat to be entered, as well
as for Fred to invite the other three Go Ahead boys to spend the
coming weeks together on the island.

All these thoughts were more or less in the minds of the Go Ahead