It's a hard case that a fellow should be made a pirate by force, and then be scragged for it, though he's done none o' the bloody work." "This may be true," rejoined the lieutenant; "but, as I have said, you will find it difficult to convince your judges of it.

But you will receive a fair trial.

There is one thing, however, that will stand in your favor, and that is a full and free confession.

If you make this, and give me all the information you can in order to bring your late comrades to justice, your judges will perhaps be disposed to view your case leniently." "Wot more _can_ I confess, sir ?" said Dick, beginning to look a little more interested.

"I've already confessed that I was made a pirate against my will, and that I've never done no murder; though I _have_ plundered a little, just like the rest.