"Well, I don't care to interfere with any little private revenge you may desire to take, as long as it chimes in with my own purposes. The boy shall be flogged if you wish it."
"I do."
"Find some pretext then, as long as the charge of robbery won't serve."
"Then," said Randall, "you might announce that, although the charge of theft had not been sustained, he had been guilty of an offence that called for punishment—insolence to his officers."
"That is a good idea. And in regard to Antonio——"
"I have no doubt the rascal stole the ring, and deserves punishment, but I don't want him flogged, as it would gratify Sturdy too much."
"My own feeling."
"You can say that you have been unable to determine who is guilty in the matter, and shall wait for further evidence."
"Very well conceived, Mr. Randall. I shall follow your advice, and thank you for it."
"I am glad to have been of service to you, Captain Brace."