Here Hawkhurst was supported by several of the pirates; and there were many voices which repeated the cry of “Justice!”
“My men! you demand justice, and you shall have it,” replied Cain. “This lad you all know well; I have brought him up from a child. He has always disliked our mode of life, and has often requested to leave it, but has been refused. He challenged me by our own laws, ‘Blood for blood!’ He wounded me; but he was right in his challenge, and, therefore, I bear no malice. Had I been aware that he was to have been sent on shore to die with hunger, I would not have permitted it. What crime had he committed? None; or, if any, it was against me. He was then sentenced to death for no crime, and you yourselves exclaimed against it. Is it not true?”
“Yes—yes,” replied the majority of the pirates.
“By a miracle he escapes, and is put in charge of another man’s property. He is made a prisoner, and now you demand justice. You shall have it. Allowing that his life is forfeit for this offence,—you have already sentenced him, and left him to death unjustly, and therefore are bound in justice to give his life in this instance. I ask it, my men, not only as his right, but as a favour to your captain.”
“Agreed; it’s all fair!” exclaimed the majority of the pirate’s crew.
“My men, I thank you,” replied Cain; “and in return, as soon as we arrive at the Caicos, my share of the plunder on board shall be divided among you.”
This last observation completely turned the tables in favour of the captain; and those who had joined Hawkhurst now sided with the captain. Hawkhurst looked like a demon.
“Let those who choose to be bought off, take your money,” replied he; “but I will not. Blood for blood I will have; and so I give you warning. That lad’s life is mine, and have it I will! Prevent me, if you can!” continued the mate, holding up his clenched hand, and shaking it almost in the pirate-captain’s face.
The blood mantled even to the forehead of Cain. One moment he raised himself to his utmost height, then seizing a hand spike, which lay near, he felled Hawkhurst to the deck.
“Take that for your mutiny!” exclaimed Cain, putting his foot on Hawkhurst’s neck. “My lads, I appeal to you. Is this man worthy to be in command as mate? Is he to live?”