Scarface by Andre Norton

frantic moment had thought himself betrayed. Mayhap sometime soon they could discuss the matter—unless all such puzzles had been made instantly clear by that slug which had torn life from the soldier. Cocklyn had hoped once for a speedy death—well, he had had one.
    But what could Scarface hope for?

Chapter Five
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    â€œCOUNT ME HIS RIBS”
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    THE CREW of the Naughty Lass held court in the morning, pressing in about the hatch where Scarface lay. As yet none of them put finger on him or made threats as to the future, for this was one of Cheap's solemn plays which even the most stupid of his followers had a liking for. So they were as formal as they might be, having out the rolls, that the law of the Brethren touching such an offense might be read aloud, Cheap standing as accuser. Only the prisoner was allowed no voice in the matter.
    â€œBrethren”—that was Cheap—in good voice and enjoying himself mightily—"we be gathered here in council toconsider the crime of treason which is a black one—”
    â€œ ’Ang ’im, Cap’n!”
    â€œCat ’im!”
    â€œGive ’im th’ slow match!”
    Cheap laughed indulgently at such enthusiasm. “All in good time, all in good time. But we must try this case according to the law. Read you that law, Quittance. I think it be number five upon the roll.”
    The man cleared his throat and began:
    â€œThe Brethren in council assembled shall judge any of their number who stands accused of betraying their cause and, his guilt proven, they shall vote to him any punishment which they deem in accord with his foul crime.”
    â€œJust so. That is most clear and neatly put. Now this young whelp did free a prisoner of ours and thought to reach our. enemies ashore with news which would spoil as fine a plan as ever Henry Morgan devised. By the keen eyes of Patawamie he was undone. Therefore do I say that he was caught in open treason. How say you?”
    â€œAye!” The voices were as one.
    â€œGive ’im t’ me, Cap’n.” Creagh elbowed his way to the fore. “Let me ’ave th’ lessonin’ o’ ’im!”
    â€œRight willingly would we agree to that, Creagh. Save that you have another duty to fill within the hour, and this matter of Scarface should not be dealt with hastily—that I believe we agree upon?”
    An undefined but assenting growl was his answer.
    â€œSo now I shall make a suggestion for your approval. It is our present desire to pose as a lawful privateer cruising these waters against the French. And on some privateers navy rule is kept. Therefore let us act as the Queen's menwould and stage a fine rare show for our friends from shore when they come out to greet us. It will be a lesson in proper discipline—and also a warning to beholders against the folly of crossing our will—”
    Enough of the crew of the Naughty Lass had escaped from Queen's ships to guess at what Cheap might mean and their nods and grins gave him assent and applause.
    â€œPye, you sailed with the royal navy in the old days. How did they treat you?”
    The small quartermaster moved uneasily. His wrinkled, brown-spotted hands were trembling, there was an odd withdrawn look in his sunken eyes. To remind Gaspard Pye of his martyrdom aboard King James’ ships was a risky thing to do. Sometimes he went a little mad when he remembered too much.
    â€œCome, Pye, show us how they deal out justice in the navy!”
    Those brown hands plucked at the fastening of his shirt. Then with one rip he tore away the calico and turned his back upon them all. From under the untrimmed locks of hair at his neck down to the band of his breeches, his flesh was ridged and hollowed with great scars. A man might bury his little finger in the deepest of them. Scarface had always wondered at how Pye had been able to survive such a beating.
    â€œThat be the sign-mark of navy justice right enough.