‘No. I’m darned if you do. I’ll know all about it soon enough,’ replied Raymond, as he made for the door.
‘Think twice, laddie, think twice,’ called Carruthers after his retreating figure. ‘A time will come when you will repent your harshness.’
As he knocked at the Captain’s door, Raymond wondered what it was all about. He couldn’t remember whether....
‘Come in,’ called a voice. ‘Oh, that you, Raymond? Sit down. A telegram has just come from the Senior Naval Officer at Darlton. He says that the dry-dock will be vacant in a week’s time for the space of a month, but if I don’t make use of this opportunity he can’t guarantee it again until September. It’s earlier than I intended, but as I can’t afford to lose this chance I shall send you down to get your re-fit over and done with, as you’re next on turn. You’ll leave here at three p.m. on Friday and arrive Saturday morning.’
‘Re-fit!’ Raymond showed his surprise in spite of himself. A vista of living in hotels swam before his eyes. A week’s leave during the summer, a break in the monotony. Lots of work about a re-fit, of course, but....
The Captain was still speaking.
‘I’m sorry I can’t give you longer notice, Raymond, but I mustn’t let this opportunity slip. You’ve got your defect list made out up to date, of course.’
‘Yes, sir. I’m all ready as far as that goes. How long do they expect to take over it.’
‘Well, as it’s your twelve-monthly re-fit, I expect about five or six weeks. It all depends on whether labour is to be had, of course. Nowadays one never knows. That’s settled, then. Your escort will be arranged for, and you’ll leave at three p.m. on Friday unless I get any further orders.’
‘Very good, sir,’ said Raymond, rising, ‘and thank you, sir.’