Hill,' Matt declared, his anger finally breaking through his fear.'Gad, sir,' Hill said. 'Gad.' His face turned purple and he seemed almost to lose the power of speech.'What is that man complaining about, Mr. Hill?' Captain Symonds had descended from the poop, unnoticed in the altercation.'Gad, sir,' Hill said again. 'He is a regular sea lawyer, sir. A born trouble-maker.''As I observed even while he was on the beach at Orange Town,' Symonds agreed.' 'Tis clear to me he needs a dose of naval discipline. Twelve lashes, Mr. Arbuckle, and have it done immediately.'Matt stared at him in utter horror, mingled with total consternation. 'You ... you cannot flog me,' he protested. 'My name is Matthew Hilton.'Symonds gazed at him in turn, brows drawn together over icy eyes. 'Make that fifteen lashes, Mr. Arbuckle,' he said. 'For addressing me uninvited.'He turned on his heel and went for the ladder to the poop. Where Rodney waited. Rodney. Matt stared at the admiral, willing him to take notice, and indeed he was watching the proceedings on the deck.
