“You needn't tell me any more than you feel like doing, of course,” said Captain Trott. “But I have to tell you that Mr. Marston has come out with some pretty fierce talk for an owner to make. He has made quite a business of circulating that talk. I didn't realize that you are of so much importance in the world, Mayo,” he added, dryly.
“I don't know what he is saying.”
“Didn't you leave him in the night—without notice, or something of the kind?”
“It was an accident.”
“I hope you have a good story to back you up, Captain Mayo, for I have liked you mighty well ever since meeting you first. What is behind it?”
“I can't tell you.”
“But you can tell somebody—somebody who can straighten the thing out for you, can't you?”
“No, Captain Trott.”
“Well, you know what has happened in your case, don't you?” The skipper of the Sprite exhibited a little testiness at being barred out of Mayo's confidence.
The young man shook his head.