"Let his chest be brought on deck, and publicly examined. If he is found guilty, he shall be punished, as sure as my name is Brace."
XXIV.
CHARLIE GETS INTO TROUBLE.
Charlie, at first taken by surprise when the charge of theft was brought against him, now looked scornfully indignant. Ignorant of the ways of the world, and the wickedness of which some men are capable, he never, for a moment, feared the result of the investigation. As for the crew, they had already become interested in his favor, and now pitied him for the unfortunate position in which he found himself placed. None of them believed him guilty.
As the captain had directed, his chest was brought on deck.
Before this was searched, however, he was subjected to a personal examination, at which nothing was discovered. There was a murmur of satisfaction.
"The lad never stole the ring," said a stout seaman, standing next to the real perpetrator of the crime, Antonio.
"Don't be too sure of that," said the Spaniard, in a malignant tone. "His chest hasn't been searched yet."
"I don't care for that; I can tell by his face. A lad, with such a figure-head as that, wouldn't do anything mean or dishonorable."