166 DOGGED JACK.

 Having heard him to the end, the mate turned to
Jack and shook him savagely by the collar.
 "You young imp, you greedy young ruffian,"
he said with a volley of oaths, "you know you've
stolen the meat; half of it, or more, was left on the
dish. How dare you touch it, you young thief ? and
so saying he gave him another shaking until Jack's
teeth rattled in his jaws, and red and blue stars
danced before his eyes.
 "How dare you touch me ?-you let me go, you
let me go," cried Jack, when he had breath enough
to speak.
 "Don't presume to speak to me like that; explain
about the meat this instant," said the mate, tighten-
ing his grasp on the boy.
 I won't, I've said enough before, I'll say no more,
I'll say nothing," replied Jack, dogged and deter-
mined.
 "If you don't answer me this moment, I'll make a
spread eagle of you to-morrow morning," cried the
mate, transported with fury. Once more I ask you,
what have you done with the meat ? have you eaten
it, or hidden it ?"
 By this time most of the crew had gathered round,
and amongst them Jack could see Joe's face pale
and anxious.
 "Answer the mate, Jack; speak respectful to him,"
said the sailor earnestly.