"Now," said Captain Brace, his tone showing his malignant satisfaction. "I appoint you as my deputy to administer twelve lashes to this man; mind that you don't spare him."
Antonio did not need this injunction. His eyes were full of fiendish triumph, as he seized the instrument of torture, and flourished it above his head.
As for Bill Sturdy, when he knew that Antonio was to be employed to inflict punishment upon him, this refinement of torture shook his resolution for a moment. It was, indeed, the bitterest drop in the cup. But not for an instant did his resolution falter. He would save Charlie at all hazards. He quickly recovered himself, and said, in a firm voice, "I am ready."
Instantly the lash was whirled aloft, and buried itself in his flesh.
There was a quiver, and that was all.
One—two—three—four—
In fast succession the blows fall upon his flesh, he meanwhile standing firmly braced, though his cheek was paler than its wont.
Charlie's heart sickened, and he closed his eyes to shut out the fearful spectacle.
As for Antonio, he seemed to revel in the task which had been assigned him. His eyes fairly danced with baleful light, and he seemed almost beside himself. It was this, perhaps, that led him to exceed by one the strokes which he had been ordered to administer.
A moment after, and the lash was wrested from him by Bill Sturdy, who threw him to the deck, with one powerful grasp tore the covering from his back, and buried the lash which had scarred his own back in the flesh of his late executioner who with face distorted with fright and pain roared for mercy.