CHAPTER XLIX.
THE TRIAL—HUNSTON'S PUNISHMENT.
"Pipe all hands on deck!"
"Aye, aye, sir."
The crew came tumbling up.
And when they were all assembled, Jefferson and Dick Harvey ranged them round in position, while Harkaway, with Hunston close by his side, stood forward to address them.
"My men," said he, "I have had you called together upon no pleasant errand. But it is a question of duty, and, therefore, pleasant or unpleasant, must be done. What we have to do is an act of justice, and I don't wish that anyone should be able to impugn my motives. I would not leave it in the power of any man to say that I ever behaved unjustly to my worst enemy."
"Hurrah!"
A ringing cheer greeted Harkaway.