"Indeed he has," said Doctor Anderson.
"But I can't endure the lash. It is savage, it is unworthy of a civilised people—it must not go on. Stop it."
"How many has he had?"
The answer to this came at that identical moment from Joe Basalt's lips.
"Twelve."
As the lash came down, the body shook slightly, and then was quite still.
"Say that he can bear no more," said Harkaway. "They'll heed your report as the doctor."
"I shall only say the truth," said the doctor.
"You think so?"
"Of course. He has fainted. You'll kill him if you go on. Cast him loose, carry him to his berth."