Oleson, the Swede, was called next, and after the usual formalities:--

"Where were you between midnight and 4 A.M. on the morning of
August 12?"

"In the crow's-nest of the Ella."

"State what you saw between midnight and one o'clock."

"I saw Mate Singleton walking on the forecastle-head. Every now
and then he went to the rail. He seemed to be vomiting. It was
too dark to see much. Then he went aft along the port side of the
house, and came forward again on the starboard side. He went to
where the axe was kept."

"Where was that?"

"Near the starboard corner of the forward house. All the Turner
boats have an emergency box, with an axe and other tools, in easy
reach. The officer on watch carried the key."

"Could you see what he was doing?"

"No; but he was fumbling at the box. I heard him."

"Where did he go after that?"

"He went aft."

"You could not see him?"