A SPREAD EAGLE. 175

 "Let's give three cheers for the captain-just and
kind to every one."
 At this the whole crew set up such a cheering as
did one good to hear, Jack joining in lustily with all
his heart. Cheer after cheer rose and swelled over
the water, for the sailors were not content with giving
only three as Joe had proposed.
 At last the captain was obliged to retire, laughing,
into his cabin, fearing, as he said, that they would
never stop until the drums of his ears were broken.
As he disappeared, the cheers ceased, and the men
began to vie with each other in praises of his justice
and humanity.
 Nor was their captain a man of weak character,
quite the contrary; but having always treated his
crew with kindness, consideration, and justice, he was
rewarded by the honest affection of his men and by
their constant and willing obedience.
 Jack now hurried off to Billy, whom he found in
very low spirits, thinking he had been the cause
of the boy's severe punishment. He had feared to
go on deck, dreading to see the performance of such
cruelty, and was very much puzzled at hearing all
the cheering. Great was his delight, therefore, when
Jack appeared unhurt and safe, and related to him
the captain's kindness and interposition; nor was