Page 425 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

‘Do you persist in having this boy flogged?’
‘I’ve given my orders, sir.’
‘Then, Captain Burgess,’ cried North, his pale face flush-
ing, ‘I tell you the boy’s blood will be on your head. I am
a minister of God, sir, and I forbid you to commit this
crime.’
‘Damn your impertinence, sir!’ burst out Burgess. ‘You’re
a dismissed officer of the Government, sir. You’ve no au-
thority here in any way; and, by God, sir, if you interfere
with my discipline, sir, I’ll have you put in irons until you’re
shipped out of the island.’
This, of course, was mere bravado on the part of the
Commandant. North knew well that he would never dare
to attempt any such act of violence, but the insult stung
him like the cut of a whip. He made a stride towards the
Commandant, as though to seize him by the throat, but,
checking himself in time, stood still, with clenched hands,
flashing eyes, and beard that bristled.
The two men looked at each other, and presently Bur-
gess’s eyes fell before those of the chaplain.
‘Miserable blasphemer,’ says North, ‘I tell you that you
shall not flog the boy.’
Burgess, white with rage, rang the bell that summoned
his convict servant.
‘Show Mr. North out,’ he said, ‘and go down to the Bar-
racks, and tell Troke that Kirkland is to have a hundred
lashes to-morrow. I’ll show you who’s master here, my good
sir.’
‘I’ll report this to the Government,’ said North, aghast.

For the Term of His Natural Life