"That's the box my cigarette came out of," said Sam, truthfully enough.
"It isn't mine!" exclaimed Nat.
"Then what's it doing in your pocket?" inquired Captain Marshall.
"I don't know, unless Sam put it there," said Nat firmly.
"That's a likely story! I don't believe you."
"I never put it there," declared Sam stoutly. Telling an untruth meant nothing to him.
"Then some one else, who wants to injure me, did it," declared Nat. "I never use cigarettes—I haven't for over a year."
"This will be looked into," said the captain. "One of you lads is telling an untruth, and I propose to find out who. When I do I shall take action. Meanwhile I'll hold these cigarettes as evidence. Don't let me catch either of you smoking again aboard this ship. As for you," he added, turning to Nat, "you've been idle long enough. Get on with your work."