* * * * *
"Don't forget now," counselled the Master-at-Arms to the request-men fallen in on the starboard side of the quarter-deck. "When your names is called out, step smartly up to the table, an' keep your caps on. You salutes when you steps up to the table an' when you leaves it."
The request-men, who had heard all this a good many times before, sucked their teeth in acquiescence.
The Captain was walking up and down the other side of the deck talking
to the Commander. They turned together and came towards the table.
The Captain's Clerk opened the request-book and laid it before the
Captain.
"'Erbert Reynolds," intoned the Master-at-Arms in a stentorian voice.
"Able seaman. Requests award of first Good Conduct Badge."
The Captain put his finger on the first name at the top of the page, glanced keenly at the applicant, and nodded. "Granted."
"Granted," echoed the Chief of Police, and Able Seaman Reynolds departed with authority to wear on his left arm the triangular red badge that vouched to his exemplary behaviour for the last three years.
Five others followed in quick succession with similar requests, and trotted forward again at a dignified and amiable gait through the screen door.
"To stop allotment." The Captain raised his head.
"Who do you allot to?"