She rushed away, and Tommy stood, irresolute how to act.
"Boy," said Mrs. Stocker, "carry out the purser's orders. Execute that detestable brute of a dog, and I will never forget you."
"All right, ma'am," answered Tommy.
He put the dog under his arm, and going on deck, slung the rope over a yard, made a noose, and having put it round the dog's neck, hauled him up about two feet from the deck.
Fido struggled and kicked, and his eyes were nearly starting from his head in all the agony of strangulation.
Suddenly Miss Jones, followed by the captain, rushed upon the scene, wringing her hands and uttering piercing cries.
"My dear, dear Fido! Save him! oh, save him!" she exclaimed, in piteous accents.
The captain took out a claspknife and cut the rope; then he gave Tommy a box on the ear.
Consequently Fido fell on the deck, very much resembling a dead dog, and his executioner tumbled in a heap on top of him.
Miss Jones pulled him off, and taking up her dear dog, hugged it in her arms, being rewarded by a feeble wag of the tail.