He planted the flag on its tall standard near the shore and settled down to mind his own business.
Pee-wee received him as if he were a foreign ambassador.
Our hero was now so intent upon his commercial enterprise that he forgot all about the races except in their commercial aspect.

The island was but the turning point for the contestants and seemed detached from the excitement and preparations which prevailed down at the club house.
Soon, along the shore, there began to be visible little groups of boys sprawling on the grass, waiting.

The boat-house porch and the adjacent float were filled with high school pupils.

They made a great racket, and from all the noise and bustle thereabouts the little island seemed removed, as if a part of the events and yet not a part.
Presently a little group of girls appeared at the edge of Gilroy's Field, which was the nearest point on the mainland to Alligator Island.
They seemed to be looking about in a bewildered, inquiring sort of way.
Evidently the advertising was bringing results.

It seemed as if they might have banded together (as girls will) for the cut rate cruise which they had seen advertised.