"You may as
well keep still, for I have got you," said the captain. Then came
the question, "Will you ever give me any more of your jaw?"
"I never gave you any, sir," said Sam; for it was his voice that
we heard, though low and half choked.
"That's not what I ask you. Will you ever be impudent to me again?"
"I never have been, sir," said Sam.
"Answer my question, or I'll make a spread eagle of you! I'll flog
you, by G--d."
"I'm no negro slave," said Sam.
"Then I'll make you one," said the captain; and he came to the
hatchway, and sprang on deck, threw off his coat, and rolling up his
sleeves, called out to the mate- "Seize that man up, Mr. A---! Seize
him up! Make a spread eagle of him! I'll teach you all who is master
aboard!"
The crew and officers followed the captain up the hatchway, and
after repeated orders the mate laid hold of Sam, who made no
resistance, and carried him to the gangway.
"What are you going to flog that man for, sir?" said John, the
Swede, to the captain.
Upon hearing this, the captain turned upon him, but knowing him to
be quick and resolute, he ordered the steward to bring the irons,
and calling upon Russell to help him, went up to John.
Pages:
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179