ships as could be accommodated on board, were gathered on the foremost
part of the quarter-deck, facing aft. They sat in rows on mess stools,
they were perched astride the after-turret guns, on the shields of the
turrets, clinging to rails, stanchions and superstructure, tier above
tier of men clad in night-clothing--that is to say, in blue jumper and
trousers, with the white V of the flannel showing up each seaman's
bronzed neck and face. Seamen and marines all wore their caps tilted
comfortably on the backs of their heads, as is the custom of men of
H.M. Navy enjoying their leisure. Above them all the smoke from a
thousand pipes and cigarettes trembled in a blue haze on the still air
of a summer evening.

They were there to witness an impromptu sing-song--a scratch affair
organised at short notice to provide mirth and recreation for a ship's
company badly in need of both. It was a ship's company hungry for
laughter after endless months of watching and waiting for an enemy that
was biding his time. Their lungs ached for a rousing, full-throated
chorus ("_All_ together, lads!"). They were simply spoiling to be the
most appreciative audience in the world.

On the after-part of the quarter-deck a stage had been hurriedly
constructed--a rude affair of planks and spars that could be disposed
of in a very few moments if necessity arose--that supported a piano. A
canvas screen, stretched between two stanchions behind the stage, did
duty as scenery, and afforded the performers a "green-room"--for, of
all the ritual connected with appearing upon a stage, the business of
"making-up" lies nearest to the sailor's heart. Provide him with a
lavish supply of grease-paint, wigs, and the contents of the chaplain's
or the officer of his division's wardrobe, and the success or otherwise
of his turn, when it ultimately comes, matters little to the
sailor-man. He has had his hour.

In front of the stage, a little in advance of the men, rows of chairs
and benches provided sitting accommodation for the officers. They came
up from dinner, lighting pipes and cigars, a full muster from Wardroom,
Gunroom and Warrant Officers' Mess. The Captain came last, and his
appearance was the signal for a great outburst of cheering from the
closely packed audience. They had been waiting for this moment. It
gave them an opportunity of relieving their pent-up feelings; it also
gave them a chance to show the rest of the Fleet their attitude towa