He's a nervous man, and perhaps he exaggerated a little.

But don't allude to it again, for the sake of his feelings." "But somebody locked me in the cabin," persisted Mr.Chalk, looking from one to the other.
Captain Brisket hesitated.

"Did they ?" he said, with a smile of perplexity.

"Did they?
I gave orders that that door was to be kept locked when there was nobody in there, and I expect the cook did it by mistake as he passed.

It's been a chapter of accidents all through, but I must say, sir, that the determined way you came on deck was wonderful." "Extraordinary!" murmured Mr.Tredgold.
"I didn't know him," attested Mr.Stobell, continuing to regard Mr.Chalk with much interest.
"I can't make head or tail of it," complained Mr.Chalk.