Free Watery Grave by Bruce Alexander

talk to him before he —before he was pushed overboard.”
    “How was he summoned?”
    “I sent Lieutenant Landon for him.”
    “Mmmm. Interesting. And he returned with him?”
    Lieutenant Hartsell had begun to show signs of exasperation at Sir John’s close questioning. I had little doubt he would show more as this line continued. Sir Robert, though he had little to say, seemed quite upset by all that passed between them.
    “Yes, after some delay they made their appearance. That was when —”
    “Beg pardon if I interrupt again, but at what hour was this?”
    “Him’ .ihoulc I kmnv? Good God, I had my hands full just keeping the Adventure afloat. I had a foremast I feared might not last the blow. I had a hundred separate causes for concern. The least of them, you may beHeve me, was at what precise hour and minute the captain made his appearance on the poop and was pushed into the sea by Lieutenant Landon!” This was deHvered in such a state of agitation that Hartsell was near panting by the time he got it out. But, recovering his composure, he added: “Put it in the afternoon, midafternoon, whatever that might be in shore time.”
    Sir John nodded thoughtfully.” Very well,” said he, “put it at that. Yet what concerns me is just how, when you were in the distracted state you have just described, you could be so certain of the actyou saw Lieutenant Landon commit.”
    “Well, Sir John Fielding, let me tell you what I saw.”
    “No, I think not,” said Sir John.” It would be far better iyouj/yowec) us. With your permission. Sir Robert, I should like us all to return to the poop deck that we might see a demonstration.”
    “What? Well, I … ‘ Caught off guard somewhat, the admiral fumbled a bit before agreeing that it seemed quite a good idea to him.” No time like the present I always say, eh?”
    And so we returned the way we had come —Sir Robert leading the way this time, we following, and Lieutenant Hartsell bringing up the rear. Once on the poop deck, the other two looked to Sir John for directions.
    “Now,” said he to Hartsell, “willyou fix as near as possible the place you occupied on the poop when you observed Lieutenant Landon commit the alleged act?”
    “I was not on the poop. I had been, but I went below to the quarterdeck.”
    “Oh? Then you were not verv near.”
    “I was near enough.”
    “Well and good. Let us go down to the quarterdeck. Find your position there then. Jeremy, you stay here, and play the role of Lieutenant Landon. But who can play Captain Markman? There is another officer here on deck, I believe?”
    The officer detailed earlier by Hartsell stepped forward.
    “Yes, sir. Lieutenant Grimsby —at your service.”
    Sir John turned in his direction with a smile of welcome.” Ah yes. Lieutenant, would you be willing to take part in our little charade?”
    “Of course, sir.”
    “Verv good. If you will then remain here on the poop with my young assistant, Jeremy Proctor, we three vvill descend to the quarterdeck.
    and Lieutenant Hartsell will place you two according to his memory. Does that satisfy all here?”
    Although Hartsell offered no disagreement, his objection to this exercise was writ plain upon his face. Nevertheless, he brought them down and after a false try or two, chose a place for himself on the right (“starboard”) side of the deck up close to a cannon.
    As this action took place, the crew left off its banter with the bum-boats on the river below and quietened down. They looked on at a distance, evidently mindful of the meaning of all this shifting and moving about there on the quarterdeck. Mr. Grimsby and I watched, as well, ready to play our roles as we were directed. That came soon enough.
    “Now, Mr. Hartsell, if you will tell our two actors where to go?”
    “Over here, close,” said Hartsell, “at the corner of the poop nearest the starboard ladder.”
    We moved to the place he had appointed. Mr. Grimsby knew precisely what was