Godfrey was probably out hunting for his breakfast, and the pointer, excited by the report of the gun, was complaining because he was tied up in the camp and left behind.

This was the way David explained the situation to himself, and the sequel proved that he was right.
After running through the bushes for a short distance, David came within sight of a little cloud of smoke, which ascended from a hollow just in advance of him.

A few steps more brought him within sight of the camp, and the first object his eyes rested upon was Don Gordon's pointer, which was tied to a sapling near a little bark lean-to, something like the one Godfrey occupied while he was living on the island.

The animal, hearing his approach, advanced to meet him as far as the length of his rope would allow, and stood wagging his tail with every demonstration of joy.
"I've saved Don ten dollars," thought David, as he pulled out his knife and cut the rope, "and I have kept Dan and father from playing a most contemptible trick upon one who would be a good friend to them, if they would only let him." David had taken no pains to approach his father's camp without being discovered.

He knew he was in the right, and he intended to be open and above board in everything he did.