“You were not the aggressor in any way?”
“Sir?”
“You are quite sure you did not start the trouble?”
“How could I, when my back was turned, sir?”
“I did not ask you that; I asked you whether you were or not. Answer yes or no.”
“That will be all for the present. Samuel Hickey, step forward.”
The Battleship Boy moved three paces to the front, looking the commanding officer squarely but respectfully in the eyes.
“You have heard Kester’s story. What have you to add to it, if anything?”
“I hardly think the story will stand any more adding to, sir,” replied the boy, with a faint smile. The captain appeared not to notice the subtle fling in Sam’s answer.