The pirate said nothing, but just nodded, and four of his men seized the mate and flung him over the bulwarks.

The same question was asked of each of the men; but each in turn refused, and an end was made of them.

I was the last.
"'Now, my boy,' the captain said, 'I hope you won't be stupid like those pig headed fellows.

What do you say--good treatment and a free life on the sea, or the sharks ?' "Well, lad, if my turn hadn't been last I would have said 'no' like the others.

I wouldn't have shown the white feather before any of my shipmates; but they had gone--there wasn't one to cast a reproachful look at me or to taunt me with cowardice.