nd ecstatic anticipation only to be read in the face of a
bluejacket or marine about to start on long leave.

A group of officers gathering near the after gangway stood waiting for
the boat and exchanging chaff customary to such an occasion.

"Here come the Snotties," said the Staff Surgeon. "Lord, I wish I had
a gramophone to record their conversation outside my cabin while they
were packing." He raised his voice. "Now, then, James, what about
this boat? We shall miss the train if you keep us all hanging about
here much longer. Some of us have got appointments in town we don't
want to miss--haven't we, Matthews?"

The Midshipman thus suddenly addressed flushed and was instantly the
target for his companions' humour. "That's right, sir," confirmed
Lettigne maliciously. "Matthews is taking a real live actress out to
supper to-morrow night."

"Smoking a mild cigar," added another. "And eating oysters and
mushrooms," chimed in a third.

Thorogood walked towards the group of laughing, chaffing boys and men.

"She won't be long, now," he said. "You'll all catch the train; I can
promise you that."

He smiled wanly.

"James," said the India-rubber Man, "don't look so miserable! I know
how sorry you are for us all. But we're going through with it, old
man, like Britons."

"That's right," agreed the Paymaster. "We shall think of you, James,
and the Commander, and the P.M.O., and all our happy messmates who are
staying onboard for the refit. It makes going on leave easier to bear
when we think of your smiling faces."

Thorogood turned away. "You're funny little fellows, aren't you?" he
said dourly.

The Young Doctor caught the ball and sent it rolling on.

"We shall think of the pneumatic riveter at work over your heads; we
shall think of the blithe chatter of the dockyard maties all over the
ship, and the smell of the stuff they stick the corticene down with ...
and we shall face the sad days ahead of us with renewed courage, James,
old man."

"Thank you all," replied Thorogood gravely. "Thank you for your
beautiful words. Give my love to Mouldy if any of you see him"--the
speaker glanced over the side. "And now I have much pleasure in
informing you that the boat is alongside, and the sooner you all get
into it the sooner to sleep, as the song says."

The Midshipmen were already scrambling down the ladder, carrying their
bags and coats, and the Wardroom Officers followed. Farewells and
partin