"I'll risk that," said Haley, coolly. "Good-by."
He walked up the slope, and disappeared from view, leaving Robert bound to the tree, a helpless prisoner.
CHAPTER XXX.
A FRIEND IN NEED.
Captain Haley kept on his way to the shore. The four sailors were all within hail, and on the captain's approach got the boat in readiness to return.
"Where is the boy?" asked Haley. "Hasn't he got back?"
"No, sir."
"That is strange. I told him to be back in an hour, and it is already past that time."
"Perhaps he hasn't a watch," suggested one of the sailors.
"I will wait ten minutes for him," said Haley, taking out his watch. "If he is not back in that time, I must go without him."
The sailors did not reply, but looked anxiously inland, hoping to catch sight of Robert returning. But, bound as he was, we can understand why they looked in vain.