There is something in the very act of being detected and exposed in guilt, which the heart instinctively shrinks from; and many a boy would willingly bear in secret twice the pain which the punishment of an offense would bring, rather than have his commission of the offense discovered and made known.
There was, however, no indication, at the dinner table, that Marco's cousin or uncle suspected him of any wrong.

They talked of various subjects in their usual manner.

Forester had arranged it with Marco, to go that afternoon down to the mill-pond, to examine the boat, in order to see whether they could have it fitted with oars, and to make arrangements to that effect.

Marco now hoped that Forester had forgotten this plan, and would not go.

Though he had been very much interested in the plan the day before, he now felt disinclined to go.
He wished to be alone, or at least out of sight of Forester.