Chapter I: Preface

A basis of fact underlies many of the incidents incorporated in this story. Even the letters are very like those received by one of the official agents of the United States Treasury. Occasional use has been made of the work entitled, "Defrauding the Government." Out of his material the writer has tried to present a tale that should be stirring and yet wholesome, having plenty of action, but free from sensationalism.

Naturally, changes in characters and localities have been freely made. If his young readers shall be interested in the story and shall draw the conclusion that any attempt to defraud the Government reacts in harsher form upon the one who tried to evade the laws, a part at least of his purpose will have been accomplished.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I An Early Morning Party 11
II The Landing on the Canadian Shore 20
III A Mysterious House 30
IV The Coming of the "Gadabout" 39
V A Perplexing Letter 48
VI An Addition to the Party 57
VII Once More on Cockburn Island 67
VIII Left Behind 76
IX The Lost Skiff 85
X The Flight of the "Gadabout" 93
XI Alone on the Lake 101
XII The Search in the Night 109
XIII A Fresh Arrival 117
XIV Another Mysterious Letter 126
XV A Signal of Distress 136
XVI The Sinking Skiff 144
XVII The Rescue of the "Gadabout" 152
XVIII The Search for the Lost Boys 160
XIX Suspicious Characters 168
XX Penniless 178
XXI A Vague Hint 188
XXII A Passenger for Cockburn Island 198
XXIII An Unexpected Meeting 207
XXIV Two Boats 217
XXV A Small Box 226
XXVI Conclusion 236

THE GO AHEAD BOYS ON
SMUGGLERS' ISLAND