"Yes; if that is the name of the frame."
"Yes, sir; and he was behind the mast, and I didn't see him," pleaded McDougal. "I saw some dirt on deck at the foot of the mast, and I threw the stream there. I couldn't see Mr. Hamblin—indeed I couldn't, sir."
"I would not complain of the act if that had been all, for I was simply spattered; but when I stepped down, the stream was directed full into my face."
"I didn't mean to do it, sir. One of the brake-men hollered to me, and I turned to see what he wanted, and when I did so, I raised up the hose; and I suppose that's what made the stream hit Mr. Hamblin in the face," groaned McDougal.
"Yes, sir," interposed the brakeman, who had designated the act as "number three." "I saw Mr. Hamblin, and I sung out to McDougal to turn the hose. He turned round and asked me what I said, and before I could answer Mr. Hamblin cried out to him."
"So far as I can see, it appears to be an accident, sir," added Pelham; "but I will report it to the captain."
"O, Mr. Pelham, don't report me to the captain!" begged McDougal. "He will send me back to the ship. I didn't mean to do it; it was an accident."
"It is useless to report it to the captain," said the professor, with a palpable sneer.
"Thank you, sir; you will forgive me, sir?" moaned the culprit.
"I am willing to forgive you if it was an accident," replied the savant, more graciously.