CHAPTER XXIV.
LADY BIDDY SORELY PUT TO IT WHETHER TO TELL THE TRUTH OR HOLD HER TONGUE.
Without turning to see whom the negro indicated, or what effect this charge made upon her, Rodrigues said:
"That is a lie. No woman's hand struck that blow." Then, turning to his boatswain, he gave him instructions to pipe the whole company together and see that no man was wanting. This the boatswain did, and when all the men were ranged across the deck in a line with the plank, on which the wretched boy still knelt, crying bitterly, Tonga standing before them, and Rodrigues facing him sword in hand, the latter spoke:
"Tonga would have us believe he was struck down by a woman," says he. "What say you?"
The men, as much to support their captain as of their own conviction, shook their heads and cried "No!"
"Then," says Rodrigues, "it follows that one of you struck the blow, which, by those rules to which all have put their hands, is a treacherous offence, to be punished with death. Which of you did it?"
To this no one made reply, but all stood mumchance, spying their fellows to see if any did bear guilt in their face; but all looked innocent of this offense, as Rodrigues, with his discriminating eye, could well perceive. When he had looked them all over in silence, waiting an answer, he said, "Not a soul leaves this ship, though you go dry another fortnight, till the truth is found out. I give Tonga into your hands. Employ what means you choose—short of taking his life—to get a true confession from him."
Then, turning again towards the boy, he cried, "Stand up! limb of the devil—up with you!"
The poor little wretch stood up for fear of the glittering sword, but still with his hands clasped, and the tears running down his cheeks.