How could he know that at that moment Juan was struggling in the strong grasp of Miguel? How could he know that when he had been hurried to the mast, Juan had sprung forward, saying, “They shall not do that.”
But it was so. Juan had first watched Diego with fear and hatred in his heart for him; but when he saw and understood how Diego was making a sacrifice of himself for him and Miguel, for two persons whom he disliked and whom he could be rid of by a word, the convict boy was stirred by a generous feeling that made him determine that Diego should not be flogged for him, and so he had muttered, “They shall not do that,” and would have gone up to Martin Alonzo and accused himself. But Miguel was made of baser material and would have nothing of the sort.
“Fool!” he said, “what would you do?”
“They shall not flog him. I know how he will take it. The shame will kill him. He is brave. I will not see it done!”
He struggled to free himself from Miguel, but the latter placed his hand over his mouth and quickly dragged him into the forecastle.
“Better his back scored than our necks broken, you fool!” said Miguel.
“I will not betray you. I will take all the blame,” said Juan. “Let me go. I will cry out!”
“You are mad. I will choke you if you do not keep still. It will soon be over. Let us be thankful he has the courage to stand it.”
But the noble generosity that swelled the boy’s heart would not permit him to keep still, and while he seemed to acquiesce and submit he was only gathering strength for a final struggle, so that presently he wrenched himself free and darted out on deck and frantically pushed his way through the crowd of sailors. When he reached the mast, however, Diego was not there any longer. He did not know how time had sped while he was struggling with Miguel, and he gasped: