act was deliberately contrived and
carried out," said Mr. Hamblin, severely, though he was evidently
somewhat moved by the misery of the culprit.

"I am very sorry for it, sir, whether it was done on purpose or by
accident," replied Pelham. "Where were you, sir, when it happened?"

"I was sitting on that frame," answered Mr. Hamblin, pointing to the
place.

"On the fife-rail?"

"Yes; if that is the name of the frame."

"Yes, sir; and he was behind the mast, and I didn't see him," pleaded
McDougal. "I saw some dirt on deck at the foot of the mast, and I threw
the stream there. I couldn't see Mr. Hamblin--indeed I couldn't, sir."

"I would not complain of the act if that had been all, for I was simply
spattered; but when I stepped down, the stream was directed full into my
face."

"I didn't mean to do it, sir. One of the brake-men hollered to me, and I
turned to see what he wanted, and when I did so, I raised up the hose;
and I suppose that's what made the stream hit Mr. Hamblin in the face,"
groaned McDougal.

"Yes, sir," interposed the brakeman, who had designated the act as
"number three." "I saw Mr. Hamblin, and I sung out to McDougal to turn
the hose. He turned round and asked me what I said, and before I could
answer Mr. Hamblin cried out to him."

"So far as I can see, it appears to be an accident, sir," added Pelham;
"but I will report it to the captain."

"O, Mr. Pelham, don't report me to the captain!" begged McDougal. "He
will send me back to the ship. I didn't mean to do it; it was an
accident."

"It is useless to report it to the captain," said the professor, with a
palpable sneer.

"Thank you, sir; you will forgive me, sir?" moaned the culprit.

"I am willing to forgive you if it was an accident," replied the
_savant_, more graciously.

"It was an accident, sir."

"It is very singular that so many accidents happen to me," said the
professor, knitting his brow, and looking very savage, when he recalled
the events of the preceding evening. "This is the third time within half
a day that an accident has occurred to me."

Mr. Hamblin walked off, and descended to the cabin to change his clothes
again. The suit in which he had fallen overboard had been dried at the
cook's galley, and was in condition for use. While changing his
garments, he recited to Mr. Stoute the new misfortune that had overtaken
him.

Pelham sharply questioned the hands who had been concerned in the
outrage; but McDougal