“Well, it looks to me like clear sailing.” Duval spoke flatly. He stirred his coffee.
“How fast are we going?” asked Hodges suddenly.
“Nine, maybe ten knots,” Evans answered.
“Nearer twelve, I’d say,” commented the Chief.
“Engineers are all the same,” said Evans. The Chief said nothing.
“You people should be going home shortly,” Major Barkison announced. Evans looked up and the others were interested, too.
“Yes,” the Major continued, “were going to close down Andrefski, as you’ve probably gathered. That’s why I was out there. When it closes down those of you who are due for rotation will probably get it. We don’t need any more sailors here.”
“That’s good news,” said Evans thoughtfully. The Chief and his assistants questioned the Major further and Evans thought of Seattle. He would get married again. That would be the first thing he would do. After that he would get a second mate’s berth on some liner. He would come back to these islands again. Someday, perhaps, he might get a fishing boat and live in Seward. There were many things that he would do.
“If you’ll excuse me,” said the Major, rising, “I think I’ll write some more letters.” The other passengers also left the table.
“Martin tells me,” said Duval, “that the barometer’s still low. What do you think’s wrong?”