"That's all very well; but, when you interfered in a family quarrel, you meddled with what did not concern you. Besides, you have been inciting my crew to mutiny."
"I have not done so," said Robert.
"I overheard you the other night giving some of your precious advice to my cabin-boy. Besides, you had the impudence to interfere with me in a matter of discipline."
"Frank Price deserved no punishment."
"That is for me to decide. When you dared to be impudent to me on my own deck, I swore to be revenged, and the time has come sooner than I anticipated."
"Captain Haley," said Robert, "in all that I have done I have tried to do right. If I have done wrong, it was because I erred in judgment. If you will let me go, I will promise to say nothing of the attempt you make to keep me here."
"You are very kind," sneered the captain; "but I mean to take care of that myself. You may make all the complaints you like after I have left you here."
"There is One who will hear me," said Robert. "I shall not be wholly without friends."
"Who do you mean?"
"God!" said Robert, solemnly.