"Shall I go and look for him?" asked one.
"No," said Haley, decidedly; "I cannot spare you."
The ten minutes were soon up.
"Into the boat with you," commanded the captain. "I shall wait no longer."
Slowly and reluctantly, the sailors took their places, for Robert was a favorite with them.
"Now, men, give way," said Haley. "If the boy is lost, it is his own fault."
They reached the vessel in due time. There was a murmur among the crew, when it was found that Robert had been left behind; but, knowing the captain's disposition, no one except Bates dared to expostulate.
"Captain Haley," said he, approaching and touching his hat, "will you give me leave to go on shore for the young gentleman that was left?"
"No," said the captain. "He had fair warning to be back in time, and chose to disregard it. My duty to the owners will not permit me to delay the ship on his account."
"He was a relation of the owner," suggested Bates.