Peter declared that he had been struck twice before he had returned a blow.

"No matter," said the Captain, "you struck at last, instead of reporting the case to an officer.

I allow no man to fight on board here but myself.

I do the fighting." "Now, men," he added, "you all admit the charge; you know the penalty.
Strip! Quarter-masters, are the gratings rigged ?" The gratings are square frames of barred wood-work, sometimes placed over the hatchways.

One of these squares was now laid on the deck, close to the ship's bulwarks, and while the remaining preparations were being made, the master-at-arms assisted the prisoners in removing their jackets and shirts.