Robert watched the receding boat, and for an instant he regretted his determination. But it was only for an instant.
“I have done what I thought to be right,” he said, “and I don’t believe I shall have cause to repent it. I must see what is best to be done.”
He got up and set about exploring his small island kingdom.
It was very rocky, the only vegetation being some scant grass and some whortleberry bushes. Luckily it was the height of the berry season and there was a good supply on the bushes.
“I shan’t starve just yet,” he said cheerfully. “These berries will keep me alive for a day or two, if I am compelled to remain as long.”
There was this advantage about the berries, that, in a measure, they satisfied his thirst as well as his hunger.
Robert did not immediately begin to gather berries, for it was yet early, and too short a time had elapsed since breakfast for him to have gained an appetite. He wandered at random over his small kingdom and from the highest portion looked out to sea.
Far away he saw several sails, but there was little chance of being rescued by any. If he were seen, it would not be supposed that he was confined a prisoner on an island so near the mainland. Still Robert did not feel that he was likely to be a prisoner for a long time.
There were other fishermen, besides his uncle, at Cook’s Harbor, and by next morning, at the farthest, he would be able to attract the attention of some one of them as he cruised near the island.
But it would not be very pleasant to pass a night alone in such an exposed spot.