“Let’s see, sir. Two orficers is two; six AB’s and coxswain seven, and seven and two’s nine; and the two nig— blacks, sir; nine and two’s ’leven. That’s right, sir ’leven.”
“Go round then, and count.”
“I think they could all answer to their names, sir, now, if I might be so bold.”
“Call them over, then.”
“Ay, ay, sir. Here goes, then, lads. First orficer, Mr Russell, sir, and you, sir’s, two as we needn’t count. Joe Dance, answer to your name.”
“Ay, ay,” came in a growl.
“Dick Bannock.”
“Here.”
“Bill Billings.”
“What’s left on me, mate.”