What excuses could he give his father for his presence in Naples ?...

He trembled, recalling the image of his scowling brow and angry eyes.
On the following day a sudden self-confidence replaced this uneasiness.
He recalled the captain as he had seen him many times on the deck of his vessel, telling of his escapades when rowing in the harbor of Barcelona, or commenting to friends on his son's strength and intelligence.

The image of the paternal hero now came to his mind with good-humored eyes and a smile passing like a fresh breeze over his face.
He would tell him the whole truth.

He would make him understand that he had come to Naples just to take him away with him, like a good comrade who comes to another's rescue in time of danger.

Perhaps he might be irritated and give him a blow, but he would eventually accede to his proposition.
Ferragut's character was reborn in him with all the force of decisive argument.