"That's why Beekman's name didn't appear among those sent us," observed Mr. Maynard suddenly.
"I suppose so," answered Harnash, glad to be relieved of one anxiety.
"Which he said it wan't his name, but I ain't never been aboard a ship without a John Smith on her," continued the boatswain, "an' sometimes we gits two or three of 'em. It's a kind-a easy name, an' when nobody knows a man we jest nachurly calls him that. Now this chap's name was Beekman. Leastways, that's what he said it was, an' when we put him overboard--"
"Put him overboard?" cried Stephanie.
"Yes, ma'am. In the ship's whaleboat, for his own safety."
"At the time of the fire?" interposed Harnash.
"Now, gents an' lady, if you'll excuse me, I can't quite steer my course amid so many variable winds, so to speak. I can't shift my helm quick enough to meet all them changes. If you'll lemme heave ahead in my own way I'll git the yarn off'n my chest the quicker an' the plainer."
"Of course," said Maynard; "don't interrupt, young people, let him tell us in his own way."
"Thankee, sir," said the boatswain. "You've got a seaman's instinck an' arter I've told the yarn I'll answer any question I may be axed, pervided they comes at me one at a time."
"Heave ahead," said Maynard, adopting nautical language for the occasion.