“Of course, that’s what I feel must have happened. The decks are so slick.”
“And you can lose your balance on a railing.”
“I suppose so.”
The Chaplain was calm now. He remembered his duty as a priest. “There will have to be some sort of service,” he said, looking at Evans.
“That’s right,” Evans agreed. “I’m supposed to give it but if you wouldn’t mind I’d rather have you take care of it.”
“That’s perfectly all right. I should be glad to give the service.”
“What kind is it?” asked the Major dubiously.
“The Burial at Sea one,” said Evans. “Masters of ships are supposed to read it when one of the men dies at sea.”
“Do you have a copy somewhere?” asked the Chaplain. “I’m afraid I don’t know it. Not quite in my line, you know.”
“Yeah, I’ve a copy up top.” Evans looked into the galley. “Hey, Jim,” he said, “go up and get that Manual, the gray one on my desk.”