"The exact moment?" I stalled.
"That's what I said."
I held my breath, which is one way to create a most maidenly blush. I said, "I—I respectfully decline to answer, sir. My reputation—"
"Your reputation," roared Inspector Cooper, "is not worth a damn anyway! Answer, sir!"
I shrugged. I said, "Well, after all, you can't be court-martialed for dreaming. You see, there was this blond kitten named Dolly. Sweet kid, but—well, reckless. And I was—"
Cooper turned crimson, and he wasn't a bit happy.
"What! You claim you were sleeping? We distinctly heard you talking, Donovan! Who were you talking to?"
I said plaintively, "Well—it was this way. Dolly was putting up an argument—"
That stopped him. He glowered about the cabin once more, helplessly, then he grunted and turned toward the door.
"Very well, Donovan. But if I ever find out you've been engaging in any skull-duggery—Come, Captain Hanson!"