“I’m sure you won’t be sick, Father.” Martin got to his feet. “If you want to send any stuff down tonight, we’ll stow it for you.”
“Thank you, but I’ll bring my gear down with me in the morning.”
Martin turned to go, then he remembered the orders he had come to get. “Do you think I could have an extra copy of your orders? We have to have one, you know.”
“Certainly.” O’Mahoney handed him a paper from his desk.
“Thank you. See you tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you going to the Captain’s party tonight, Mr Martin? He’s giving one in his quarters for the Major.”
“Why, yes, I suppose I will.”
“See you then.” The Chaplain walked with him to the door.
iii
Bervick and Duval were arguing again. Supper had been finished and Evans had gone to the wheelhouse. Martin sat quietly in a corner while the Chief and Bervick insulted each other. Their arguments were thought very funny by the rest of the crew. No one took them seriously except Martin, and he was not sure if they were serious or not.