"Spare him," said Bill Sturdy, his eyes resting affectionately on Charlie. "He is so young."
"Perhaps the best way in which I can please you both is to divide the punishment between you. I had sentenced this lad to receive twelve lashes. Since you wish to do him a service, you shall receive six, and he the other six."
"I do not consent," said Sturdy, comprehending the captain's purpose to humiliate both. "If his back is to receive a single lash, my offer will not save him from the disgrace, and that is worse than the pain."
At this juncture the mate whispered something in the captain's ear.
The face of the latter lighted up with satisfaction, and his next words revealed the nature of the mate's suggestion.
"I consent to the substitution," he said, and then paused.
Bill Sturdy's face glowed with generous satisfaction, and with heroic forgetfulness of self, he began to strip for punishment.
A moment, and his back, broad and ample, was bared and the thick, corded muscles could be seen.
"Antonio, come forward," said Captain Brace.
Antonio advanced amid the general surprise of the crew, and somewhat to his own, and stood still, awaiting orders.