We halted, and Bob's father confronted him.
"What does all this mean?" demanded Mr. Hale. "Are you one of those who ran away with the steamer?"
"I am, sir," replied Bob, squarely, but with due humility.
Mr. Hale bit his lips with chagrin. Probably he had hoped that his son was not one of the reckless fellows who had taken possession of the Adieno. But Bob was a noble fellow, and seldom gave his father any cause to complain of his conduct,—so seldom that he appeared to be appalled at the magnitude of the present offence.
"Robert was opposed to taking the steamer from the first," I interposed, hoping to save him from some portion of his father's displeasure.
"I went with the rest of the fellows, and I am willing to bear my share of the blame."
"What does all this mean? What possessed you to do such a thing?" asked Mr. Hale.
"We could not endure the injustice of Mr. Parasyte any longer; that was the beginning of it. And when he came in the steamer to Pine Island, and took away our provisions, we ran off with the steamer rather than be starved out," answered Bob.
"What business had you on Pine Island?"
"We have been breaking away."