“They have a fine old Russian church there, don’t they?” asked the Chaplain.
“Yes, they do.”
“Very interesting, these old churches. I suppose one can’t go in the church here.”
“I think it’s locked until the war’s over,” said Evans. “The priest was evacuated.”
“Such a pity,” the Chaplain complained. “I should like to have seen it.”
Duval and his assistants came up from the engine room. The first assistant, a short heavy man, was splattered with grease.
“What’s the matter?” Evans asked.
“Just a little trouble with the auxiliary again. It’ll be O.K. I think. Just go easy on them winches. I been up since five working on this damned thing.” Duval gestured with his hands. Bervick wondered when he had left Olga.
“Good morning, Bervick,” said Duval genially. “Did you sleep well last night?”
Without answering Bervick left the salon and went in the galley. He could hear the Major murmur words of surprise and he could hear Evans change the subject.