But none presented itself, and at last he had almost determined to fling himself overboard, when the captain came one day to where he stood in the forecastle, and addressed him thus, in his Yankee drawl:
"Stranger, I guess we understand each other by this time?"
"I hope we do," said Leicester, moodily. "I am hoping that this accursed vessel will wreck some day," said Leicester, "and then——"
"And then what?" asked the captain.
"Then I may stand a chance," said Leicester, fiercely.
"So," said the Yankee, "that's the game, is it? Here!" and he called to two or three of the crew. "Clap this chap into irons."
The men came forward reluctantly, and Leicester, after a fierce struggle, was forced down upon the deck and heavily ironed.
Then he was hoisted and dragged to the mast, and lashed there, an example and a warning to all others who might be inclined to be "obstreperous," as the captain said.
All this time the schooner was making to get clear of the Channel, which they hoped to reach before dawn on the morrow.