“I beg your pardon, Mr. Burnham,” said Fuller suddenly. “I didn’t notice that rope was in your way.” And he learned over and tossed the rope away. As he did so some hard object fell with a clatter from the coil.
“It’s not interfering with me in the least,” laughed Dennis, and looked down at a large, bone-handled clasp-knife which had dropped in front of him. He picked it up idly, and weighed it in his hand.
“Useful sort of implement,” he said.
“Oh, these sailor-chaps like a big knife more than anything,” said Hilderman; “and, of course, they need them strong. I daresay that has been used for anything, from primitive carpentry to cutting tobacco. The one knife always does for everything.”
We continued our conversation while Dennis idly examined the knife, opening it and studying the blade absently. Presently Fuller, noticing his absorption, began to chaff him about it.
“Well,” he laughed, “have you compiled a complete history of the knife and it’s owner? If you’re ready to sit an examination on the subject I will constitute myself examiner, then we’ll find who the knife belongs to, and corroborate or contradict your conclusions.”
“It’s a very ordinary knife to find on board a boat, I should think,” said Dennis.
“Oh come, Mr. Burnham,” Hilderman joined in, “you mustn’t wriggle out of it. Surely you can answer Mr. Fuller’s questions.”
“If Mr. Fuller will allow me to put one or two preliminary questions to him,” Dennis replied, entering into the spirit of fun, “I am ready to go into the witness-box and swear quite a number of fanciful things.”