"Because when you said the ring was lost, he did not come forward and restore it."
"Ay," said Captain Brace, "that is strongly against him. If it is found that he has concealed it anywhere, he shall repent it, by——"
It is unnecessary to stain our pages by printing the oath with which he emphasized this assertion.
"What reason have you for supposing that he concealed it in his chest?" asked the mate.
"Because I saw him go down below," answered Antonio, with unblushing falsehood.
"It's a lie," said Charlie, boldly. "I haven't been below this morning."
"Silence!" thundered the captain, scowling menacingly; "don't add falsehood to theft."
"I haven't been guilty of theft," said Charlie boldly.
"Silence!" again thundered the captain, "or it will be the worse for you."
"You had better not say anything more, my lad," whispered Bill Sturdy; "we shall yet bring you off with flying colors. Don't you fear. Bill Sturdy is your friend, and he will stand by you."