A Bad Woman

Charlie Jones was called first, on the second day of the trial. He
gave his place of birth as Pennsylvania, and his present shore
address as a Sailors' Christian Home in New York. He offered,
without solicitation, the information that he had been twenty-eight
years in the Turner service, and could have been "up at the top,"
but preferred the forecastle, so that he could be an influence to
the men.

His rolling gait, twinkling blue eyes, and huge mustache, as well
as the plug of tobacco which he sliced with a huge knife, put the
crowd in good humor, and relieved somewhat the somberness of the
proceedings.

"Where were you between midnight and 4 A.M. on the morning of
August 12?"

"At the wheel."

"You did not leave the wheel during that time?"

"Yes, sir."

"When was that?"

"After they found the captain's body. I went to the forward
companion and looked down."

"Is a helmsman permitted to leave his post?"

"With the captain lying dead down in a pool of blood, I should
think-"

"Never mind thinking. Is he?"

"No."

"What did you do with the wheel when you left it?"

"Lashed it. There are two rope-ends, with loops, to lash it with.
When I was on the Sarah Winters--"

"Stick to the question. Did you see the mate, Mr. Singleton, during
your watch?"

"Every half-hour from 12.30 to 1.30. He struck the bells. After
that he said he was sick. He thought he'd been poisoned. He said
he was going forward to lie down, and for me to strike them."