"N-n-n-no," answered Sam hesitatingly.
"Now, tell me where you put it."
"I told you once. I put it in the muzzle. Where did you think I put it!"
"I did not think. But it is now my opinion that you dropped it overboard."
"I did nothing of the sort," protested Hickey indignantly.
"You were the last man to handle the plug, were you not?"
"Y-e-s."
"Where is it?"
"I—I don't know."
"That will cost you twenty-five, young man. You will no doubt be put on the list for a reprimand, if not worse. That's all I've got to say to you."