‘Come in, my little man,’ cooed the Torpedo Lieutenant gaily. ‘And Boyd, too; this is a pleasure to be sure. Ring the bell nicely and ask the pretty gentlemen what they’ll have.’
The new-comers blinked in astonishment.
‘What is it, sir?’ asked Seagrave. ‘It’s not my birthday nor Boyd’s either, as far as I know.’
‘No, no, my boy; but you’re going down for a re-fit. Just think of it and all it means.’
‘What! a re-fit. When?’
‘Friday next,’ said Raymond.
‘Good Heavens! what luck,’ cried Boyd. ‘My brother home on leave, too. Good bally business.’
‘Talking about leave, my friend,’ persisted Torps, ‘what are we all going to have?’
Seagrave rang the bell.
* * * * *