Don was silent for a moment, and then stepped forward boldly.
“Yes!” he said.
“Ah, Mas’ Don, you’ve done it now,” whispered Jem.
“I was cruelly seized, beaten, and dragged away from my home, and Jem here from his young wife. On board ship we were ill-used and persecuted; and I’m not ashamed to own it, I did leave the ship.”
“Yes, and so did I!” said Jem stoutly.
“Humph! Then I’m afraid you will have to go with me as prisoners!” said the officer.
“Hor—hor—hor! Here’s a game! Prisoners! Cat-o’-nine tails, or hanging.”
“Silence, you scoundrel!” roared the officer. “Forward with these prisoners.”
Mike and his companions were marched on out of hearing, and then, after a turn or two, the officer spoke.
“It is true then, my lads, you deserted your ship?”