A laugh from the gathering crowd sent the hot blood to the Justice's face, and catching some idea of the foolish position into which he had allowed himself to be drawn by his anger, he hurried off down the street.
"Will you return to Bristol at once?" Budd asked. "If so, we will arrange to take you over."
"No," replied Mr. Dane; "I have business in Providence, and will go round that way. Good-by;" and refusing to take the slightest compensation for coming over as a witness, he shook hands with Mr. Wright and the lads and departed.
Budd spoke a few words in a low tone to his partner; then he said to Mr. Wright:
"Can you go over to the island with us? There is something special we wish to talk over with you."
"My man is down here with me, and can drive the team along to 'The Hummocks' and wait for me there, if you will put me ashore after this matter is talked over," answered Mr. Wright.
The lads consented to that arrangement gladly, and a few minutes later, with Mr. Wright on board the sloop with them, they sailed for home.
As soon as they were a short distance off shore, Budd left his partner to look out for the boat, and in low tones told Mr. Wright the true story of his father's trial and imprisonment. He then related Judd's and his own experience with Bagsley and his companions, and stated that this was the real purpose that called him over to Hope Island.
"Why didn't you tell this in the court-room? It would have acquitted you," said Mr. Wright, in astonishment.
"Because the burglars are still around here contemplating some more daring crime, and we are watching for them, and hope to cause their arrest," explained Budd, going on to relate how he believed this would react in his father's favor.