CHAPTER XXI

"A BAD WOMAN"


Charlie Jones was called first, on the second day of the trial. He
gave his place of birth as Pennsylvania, and his present shore
address as a Sailors' Christian Home in New York. He offered,
without solicitation, the information that he had been twenty-eight
years in the Turner service, and could have been "up at the top,"
but preferred the forecastle, so that he could be an influence to
the men.

His rolling gait, twinkling blue eyes, and huge mustache, as well
as the plug of tobacco which he sliced with a huge knife, put the
crowd in good humor, and relieved somewhat the somberness of the
proceedings.

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

"At the wheel."

"You did not leave the wheel during that time?"

"Yes, sir."