“Not a bit,” said Aleck. “Makes things still worse.”

“Think so?”

Aleck nodded.

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. I’ll drop it then. Now, then, what do you say to having a good long snooze?”

“I’m willing,” said Aleck, “for I’m thoroughly tired out.”

“Put out the light then. My word, what a good thing sleep is!” said the midshipman, after they had lain in silence for a few minutes. “Makes you able to forget all your troubles.”

There was a pause, and then the midshipman began:

“I say it makes you able to forget all your troubles, doesn’t it?”

Still silence.

“Don’t you hear what I say?”