"I do," answered the young American. "I lead them all; and I'll not answer for them if any attempt is made to oppress them to-day."
"At least their spokesman should not be drunk himself, whatever his rag-tag and bob-tail are. You stand condemned, for you know that liquor is forbidden."
"The lad's not drunk," said Anson; "or, if he is, it is only at the same tap as all of us: the news from Ghent."
"I'll not argue it, sir. I'm only sorry you cannot receive the news in a spirit more worthy. At least you'll oblige me by striking that flag on Prison No. 3. It is an invitation to foolish and ignorant sailors to mutiny, and I will not permit it to float here while I'm in command."
"The word 'Rights' is a red rag to your Government," said Anson insolently.
"Your rights at least have always been respected," answered Short patiently. "I wish I could help you benighted fellows to see reason and take juster views. Your conduct proceeds from hatred of us and fear of us, instead of hatred of evil and fear of God. But 'tis your nation that must answer for you. Believe me, I shall be very well pleased to wash my hands of you."
Stark approached at this moment, and Captain Short turned to him.
"You at least are intelligent; and you fought fair," said the soldier. "Now I desire that yonder flag should be hauled down. I ask politely; I sink authority and approach these foolish fellows here as man to man. One is intoxicated; the other is, unfortunately, not a gentleman. I desire that that offensive flag shall be pulled down, and since we are in the atmosphere of peace, I will hoist an American emblem at the Prison gate and let it wave beside the Union Jack."
"You are generous," declared Cecil Stark. "Nothing could be fairer."
"I say 'no,'" interposed Burnham doggedly. "My men will have their flag; and if the motto stings—let it sting."