"Captain Haley only meant to frighten me," he thought. "He has sent some men back for me."
In his gratitude, he thanked Heaven fervently for so changing the heart of his enemy, and once more life looked bright.
"Robert!" he heard again.
"Here!" he shouted, with all the strength of his lungs.
This time the sound reached Bates, who, running up his boat on shore, and securing it, was exploring the island in search of our hero. Looking around him, he at length, from the edge of the valley, descried Robert.
"Is that you, lad?" he asked.
"Yes, Bates; come and untie me!"
Bates saw his situation with surprise and indignation.
"That's some of the captain's work!" he at once decided. "He must be a cursed scoundrel to leave that poor lad there to die!"
He quickened his steps, and was soon at the side of our hero.