“Let’s see,” said Sir Thomas, in magisterial tones.
Barney fumbled unwillingly in his pocket, and drew out a piece of rope about two feet long, well whipped round at the ends with twine.
“Humph!” said Sir Thomas, taking the instrument of torture. “So that’s what you flog him with.”
“Well, your honour, meant to make a man of him.”
“Arn’t yer going to speak a word for me, Master Syd?” whispered Pan.
“Silence, sir!” said the captain. “Now look here: you ran away from your service, and from your father’s house. Then, I suppose, you tried to persuade my son to go with you.”
Pan looked up reproachfully at Sydney.
“I wouldn’t ha’ told o’ you, Master Syd. But I don’t care now. Yes; I wanted him to come.”
“Well, I’m glad you spoke the truth; but your companion did not tell tales of you. Now, look here, sir: I suppose you know you’ve behaved like an ungrateful young scoundrel?”
“Yes, sir,” whimpered Pan.