“Yes, sir,” replied I.
“Have you seen anything of Mr Dott?” said the first lieutenant; “you are constantly together.”
“I saw him just before Captain Delmar came on board, sir, but I have not seen him since.”
“Well, well, we will settle accounts with the young gentleman as soon as he turns up,” replied the captain: “you may go, Mr Keene.”
I perceived that the captain and first lieutenant both smiled as I left the cabin. It appeared that soon after they left it and the captain went on shore; but Tommy was so frightened that he remained in his hiding-place, as he made sure he would be flogged if he made his appearance, and he resolved to remain where he was until my return, that he might consult me.
As soon as I had reported myself, and given the answer to the first lieutenant, I hastened to the cabin, and then poor Tommy crawled from under the table; the tears were still wet on his cheeks.
“I shall be flogged, Keene, as sure as I stand here. Tell me, what can I do—what can I say?”
“Tell the truth; that’s the best way,” replied I.
“Tell the captain that I was hid under the table! that would never do.”
“Depend upon it, it’s the best plan,” replied I; “and it is the only advice I can give you: you may be flogged if you tell the truth, but you are sure to be flogged if you tell a lie. It will only add to your offence.”