I will
have it obeyed. Now, Rogers," to the boatswain, "take the cat, and give
that skulking rascal at the grating the two dozen he so richly
deserves."

The boatswain stepped forward, and, without removing his jacket or
making any other preparation, sullenly took the cat in his hand. The
chief mate meanwhile went off for a pair of handcuffs, and, returning,
slipped them on the wrists of the rebellious boatswain's mate.

The second mate, who was still looking on, noticing the behaviour of the
boatswain, and the ill-concealed triumph of the crew at Talbot's
conduct, now turned to the captain and said--

"Let _me_ play bo'sun's mate for once sir; I'll be bound I'll give the
sneaking lubber his proper 'lowance; he'll never get it from any of his
shipmates, I can see."

"Very well, do so," said the captain; "let him have it hot and strong;
it will show those mutinous scoundrels that we have it in our power to
punish them yet."

The second mate waited for no more, but, whipping off his coat and
rolling up his shirt-sleeves, snatched the cat out of Rogers' hand, and
began at once to administer the punishment.

His first stroke drew blood and forced a shriek of anguish from the
quivering lips of his victim, a sound which extorted a laugh of fiendish
glee from the captain. A second, third, fourth, and fifth lash followed
in slow, deliberate succession, stripping off shreds of skin, and
lacerating the back of the sufferer until it presented a sickening
sight. At the sixth stroke the shrieks ceased, and the man's head
dropped upon his breast.

At this sight the second mate seemed somewhat startled, and looked up
inquiringly at the captain.

"Go on," said the latter, with an encouraging nod of the head; "go on
and finish the dose; he's only shamming. Put a little more strength
into your blows, man; I'll be bound you can fetch another howl or two
out of him yet, if you feel inclined."

Thus incited, the second mate actually proceeded with and completed his
fiendish task, at the end of which the perspiration poured in a stream
down his face, so great had been his exertions.

But not another cry could he wring from his victim, in spite of all his
efforts--the poor fellow was insensible, and in that condition was cast
off from the grating, and taken below to his hammock. There was no
doctor on board, so the unfortunate seaman was left to the clumsy though
well-meant ministrations of his shipmates, who did the best