noon
With the passing of the supposed `` ghost '' of the strange cabin , there no longer remained anything to disturb their peace of mind . Ted Shafter and his crowd would certainly give the place a wide berth from that time out ; and with reasonable precaution the boys need not fear contact with any wild-cat or poisonous snake while staying there . On the last morning of their camping experience , while they were beginning to dismantle the tents , and prepare for loading the canoes , quite a flotilla hove in sight down the river , there being three boats , each rowed by a couple of weary boys . It turned out to be Herb Benson and some of his friends , who had started from Carson very early in the morning , and had just been able to make the island before noon . Of course it was mostly curiosity to see whether Max and his chums had really spent the whole week on the island that had brought them up . But enough provisions remained to give the entire crowd a dinner ; and feeling refreshed after this , they were ready to start back with the current , a much easier task than butting against it . Sitting there , and enjoying the hospitality of the five campers , Herb and his friends listened to an account of the many things that had happened .