Hayes laughed cynically. 'I'll "mister" him, the yellow-hided soldier! Here, boatswain, bring a light, and tell Jules to come here with his green bag.'
A light was produced, and Hayes, attended by the boatswain and the negro Jules, went inside the house. Tom followed, burning with indignation, and determined to prevent the unfortunate Maori from being flogged.
'Take his irons off,' said the captain, speaking in the same low but savage tone he had used when addressing Tom.
The handcuffs were unlocked, the leg-shackles removed, and the prisoner stood up.
'Now, Bill,' said Hayes, 'I'm not going to round on you for hitting me in fair fight, but you've nearly murdered the mate.'
'You can stow all that, sir. I don't believe you.'
The captain apparently did not heed the interruption.
'And now I've come to talk to you a bit. Will you go ashore here and trade for me?'
'No, I won't. I am willing to go to Samoa and do second mate's duty as I did before, but I am not going to be separated from Mr. Wallis. I have my orders from Captain Hawkins.'
'Very well'--and then he gave vent to his suppressed fury--'if you won't do as I want you, I'll give you a flogging, and chuck you over the side to drown, you mutinous Maori dog! Either that, or turn-to again.'