Bill tried to swallow his half-chewed mouthful of bread, choked and coughed, and washed it down with his whole glass of lemonade.

After he finished sputtering, he made a nervous look at the constable. It seemed he wouldn't be let off the hook about this, and he wouldn't be able to make up a different story since the constable had heard his first one.

"Captain tossed me overboard," he repeated, "because... because... er... because I mouthed off at him. Lucky I'm a strong swimmer. This bread is really good, sir, what's it called?" he said, looking toward the owner of the house.