“Where can he be going?” asked Frank.

“Just let him alone,” counseled Will.  “He knows what he is about.”

And so Prince did.  He took a path he had evidently traveled many times before, to judge by the hoof-marks, and presently came to a swampy place at which Frank and Allen balked.

“Wait here,” advised Will.  “I’ll soon be back.  This is near one end of the island.  It must be here that Prince has his stable.”

And so it proved.  Splashing through the swamp, Prince ascended a little slope, pushed under some low tree branches that nearly brushed Will from his back, and came to a halt before a tumbled-down cabin, that was just about large enough for an improvised stable.  Will leaped off, gave a look inside, and uttered a shout of joy, for there, trampled on and torn, broken and water-stained, was the saddle.  A second later Will was kneeling before it, exploring the saddle pockets.

“Here they are!” he cried, as he pulled out the missing papers.  “I have them, fellows!”

A hasty survey showed him that they were all there—­ somewhat stained and torn, to be sure, but as good as ever for the purpose intended.

“This is great luck!” cried Will.  He looked about him.  Then he saw the reason why Prince had made this place his headquarters.  The former occupant of the deserted cabin had left behind a quantity of salt, and as all animals like, and need, this crystal, Prince had been attracted to the place.  It was like the old “buffalo licks.”  Then, too, there was shelter from storms.

“Prince, old man, you’re all right!” cried Will, as he put the papers in his pockets.  By dint of a little hasty repairing the saddle could be used temporarily.  It was evident that Prince had kept it on until lately, and the dangling stirrups had caused the sound like rattling chains.  There was no sign of the bridle, however, but the halter would answer.  Will saddled his pet, and soon had rejoined Frank and Allen, to whom he had shouted the good news.  Then a hasty trip was made back to camp.

“Oh, I’m so glad!” cried Grace.  “Now I can really enjoy camping and cruising.  You must telephone papa at once.”

Which Will did, the whole party going over to Mr. Lagg’s store in the motor boat.

“Yes, I have the papers safe,” Will told Mr. Ford.  “Yes, I’ll mail them at once.  What’s that—­ Dodo—­ tell Mollie Dodo is over the operation and is going to get well?  I will—­ that’s good news!  Hurrah!”

“Oh, thank the dear Lord!” murmured Mollie, and then she sobbed on Betty’s shoulder.

“Well, I guess we are ready to start,” announced Grace.  “I have the chocolates.  Who has the olives?”

“Chocolates and olives—­ the school girl’s delight!” mocked Will,

“Oh, you’ll be asking for some,” declared his sister.

  “Chocolates and olives are good for the boys,
   And to the girls they also bring joys.”