"No! no! I—I——" The mate hesitated, not knowing how to proceed.
"Come, out with it."
"Well—er—if you must know the truth, I—er—I got confused."
"Confused!" roared Captain Carter.
"Ye-es. I—er—I had a headache, and I got a sudden spell of blindness. I—er—I wanted to put the wheel over, but before I could get straightened out the damage was done."
"I don't believe a word of that!" exclaimed Captain Turton. "He is a rascal!"
"No! no! I was confused—I swear it!" groaned the mate. All the remaining courage was oozing out of him. "I did my best to clear your vessel, but I simply couldn't do it."
Captain Carter turned to one of his hands.
"Did he act confused, so far as you know?" he questioned.
"I don't know about that," answered the man. "He sure didn't steer the boat right."