“You come to the right place,” said Smitty. They laughed at the old joke.
“Any new developments?” asked the Major.
Evans shook his head. “No, nothing new. We’re making about twelve knots an hour. That’s nice time.” He looked at Bervick. “Weather’s fine,” he added.
“Splendid,” said the Major.
“What was that you were reading, Major, when we came in?” asked the Chaplain.
“A piece about General Gordon. A great tragedy, Khartoum, I mean. They were most incompetent. It’s a very good example of politics in the army.”
“Yes, I know what you mean,” said O’Mahoney.
“Are there many seals in these waters?” asked Hodges.
Evans nodded. “A good many. If we see any salmon running you’ll see a lot of seals chasing them. Sea lions hang around all the time.”
“I saw some this morning,” commented the Major. “I understand they’re the fastest fish in the water.”