At last, as the crowd thinned, Pennington made his way up to Dave.
"Mr.Darrin, I have to apologize for my nonsense, which was the means of pushing you overboard.

It was purely accidental, on my honor.

I did not even know it was you at the stern, nor did I realize that my antics would result in pushing any one overboard.

I trust you will do me the honor of believing my statement." "Of course I believe it, Mr.Pennington," answered Darrin, opening his eyes.
"There are some," continued Pennington, "who have intimated to me their belief that I did it on purpose.

There may be others who half believe or suspect that I might, or would, do such a thing." "Nonsense!" retorted Dave promptly.