But enough of an old man's forebodings! Why should I poison your happy return from an adventure, in which your chance of escape was not one in ten ?" Robert talked with him a while longer, and then he suggested that he go to the _Hawk_ and tell his friends there good-bye, as they had probably returned to the ship by this time.
"But be sure you're back here by nightfall," said Colonel Strong.

"You favor me, lad, by coming.

It refreshes me to see you and to talk with one who had a share with me in an eventful campaign.

And have you money enough for this trip to Albany?
I take it that you were not accumulating much treasure while you were on the island, and a loan may be timely." Robert thanked him, but said he had enough for his needs.

He promised also to be back by nightfall, and, having said farewell to the officers of the sloop, he returned to Colonel Strong's mansion at the appointed time..