“I believe they are classed as mammals,” corrected the Chaplain, looking at Bervick who nodded.
“That’s right, sir, they are mammals.”
“You heard the Major,” Duval suddenly said. “They are just big fish.”
“A lot you know about fish,” said Bervick coolly.
“I know enough about these things to know a fish when I see one swim in the water.”
“Anybody with any kind of sense knows that sea lions aren’t fish.”
“So you’re calling the Major and me dumb.”
Bervick caught himself. “I’m sorry, Major, I didn’t mean that, sir.”
Major Barkison agreed, a little puzzled. “I’m sure you’re right, Sergeant. I know nothing about these things.”
Bervick looked at the Chief triumphantly. He murmured, “That’s like I said: they aren’t fish.”