“One lifeboat knocked up and one ventilator on the forward deck gone,” said Bervick.
“I saw the ventilator go,” said Evans. “You say the lifeboat’s out of commission?”
“That’s right.”
“Shipyard for us,” said Evans and that was all. He turned back to his charts. Evans put on an act sometimes, thought Bervick.
“We’re going below, Skipper,” said Bervick and he and Martin left the wheelhouse.
Duval was in the salon. His coveralls were smeared with grease and he looked gaunt. He was sitting at the table, alone.
“When’re we leaving this place?” he asked.
“Pretty soon,” answered Bervick. “How’re your engines?”
“I guess they’ll be all right. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Bervick looked at the Chief’s grease-stained coveralls. “You have some trouble?”