Two. John Frost and Tom Jones. Poor fellows—I pity them.
How long have they been on the ship?
They have sailed with me for years. They entered the Navy when mere boys.
What has been their previous conduct, Captain?
They have always been good, steady men. Always punctual to obey. This is their first offence.
And if convicted, said Walter, what then?
Hang them to the yard-arm, replied the Captain. Mutiny at sea cannot be tolerated. An example must be made of them to deter others.
I admit, Captain, that example is a great educator, but is it not example—the force of the education they have received on board of the ship that got them into this trouble?
No sir! said the Captain excitedly. It was rum! Too much rum!
That is just the point, Captain—too much rum. But who set the example before them? Who educated them to drink rum? Who dealt out to them, twice a day, the deadly drug? And now follows the fearful consequences of example and education. And now you will hang them to the yard-arm for putting into practice the legitimate consequence of their education. You say these men have followed the sea all their days—that they entered the Navy when they were mere boys—that for long years they have served you and your country well—that this is their first offence, and for this offence they must die—must be suspended between the heavens and earth, as an example, to deter others. And now those who set them the example become their executioners.