"I didn't see or hear anything, Leslie," Burns said feebly. "I
don't even remember being hit. I felt there was some one behind me.
That was all."

"There had been nothing suspicious earlier in the night?"

He lay thinking. He was still somewhat confused.

"No--I think not. Or--yes, I thought once I saw some one standing
by the mainmast--behind it. It wasn't."

"How long was Mrs. Johns on deck?"

"Not long."

"Did she ask you to do something for her?"

Pale as he was, he colored; but he eyed me honestly.

"Yes. Don't ask me any more, Leslie. It had nothing to do with
this."

"What did she ask you to do?" I persisted remorselessly.

"I don't want to talk; my head aches."

"Very well. Then I'll tell you what happened after I went off watch.
No, I wasn't spying. I know the woman, that's all. She said you
looked tired, and wouldn't it be all right if you sat down for a
moment and talked to her."