"Show me where and how you were standing at the time of the accident, Davis."
Dan took the place, as nearly as he could, where he had been standing when the marline spike struck him.
"Which way were you facing?"
"Forward, sir."
"The spike was thrown from behind you then?"
"Yes, sir, it must have been."
"Here is where it hit the deck, sir," called Sam.
"Do you recall how it appeared when you took hold of it?"
"I think the head of the spike was leaning aft. I should say it had about a forty-degree lean."
The master-at-arms nodded.