The skipper read it through in a state of stupefaction, then he handed it to the mate, who had followed him on deck. The mate read it and handed it back.
“It’s yours,” he said shortly.
“I don’t understand it,” said the skipper, shaking his head. “Why, only yesterday he was up on deck here eating his dinner, and saying it was the best meat he ever tasted. You heard him, Bob?”
“I heard him, pore little devil!” said the mate.
“You all heard him,” said the skipper.
“Well, there’s five witnesses I’ve got. He must have been mad. Didn’t nobody hear him go overboard?”
“I ’eard a splash, sir, in my watch,” said Bill.
“Why didn’t you run and see what it was?” demanded the other.
“I thought it was one of the chaps come up to throw his supper overboard,” said Bill simply.
“Ah!” said the skipper, biting his lip, “did you? You’re always going on about the grub. What’s the matter with it?”