"Read the Articles of War," said the captain, "and do you youngsters listen." When he came to the part referring to obedience to the orders of superior officers, he looked at De Lisle, and exclaimed in a thundering voice-- "Do you hear that, youngster? Prepare to receive the punishment you merit for disobedience to orders." On the port side was a gun which Lord Robert had chosen to have painted green, carriage and all, to make it harmonise with the furniture. "Strip," he said. De Lisle, trembling, seemed disinclined to obey; but the master-at-arms seized him, and quickly had his jacket off, and his back exposed. He then, in spite of the boy's struggles, secured him to the gun. "Give him half-a-dozen lashes," said the captain. The cat descended till the blood came. "I'll tell my father and mother," sang out poor De Lisle in his agony. "Two more for that," cried the captain. "Oh! could my brothers and sisters see my disgrace!" cried out poor De Lisle, scarcely knowing what he said. "Two more for that," shouted Lord Robert. Again the cat descended. He thus got ten instead of six lashes. He did not again speak. Overcome by his feelings rather than by the pain, he had fainted. The captain sent for the doctor, who soon brought him to, when he was led off to the surgery to have his wounds attended to. "That's a lesson for you all, young gentlemen," said Lord Robert in a subdued tone, differing greatly from that which he had lately used. "I'm determined to maintain discipline aboard my ship; and you'll understand that though I wish to treat you all with consideration, I will certainly punish any disobedience to orders."