Charlie began to take off his jacket.
There was a murmuring among the crew, testifying to the excitement which they felt.
"Put on your jacket, my lad," said Bill. "I'm older and tougher than you, and I can bear it better."
And the stout seaman pulled off his shirt, and displayed his brawny shoulders, and a chest whose breadth and depth betokened a strength which could not be styled less than Herculean.
Antonio looked on, his eye blazing with vindictive joy. Whichever was flogged, his satisfaction would be equal.
"Hark you!" exclaimed Captain Brace, interfering at this juncture. "I think that I shall choose to have a voice in this matter. So you wish," turning to Sturdy, "to relieve this boy of his punishment, do you?"
"I do," said the old seaman.
"I don't want him to," interrupted Charlie. "It is mine, and I will bear it."
"It seems the parties are not agreed," said the captain, sardonically.