‘All right,’ I agreed, ‘I’ll come, but don’t be too long-winded over it.’
Then I smiled the smile of the evil-doer, and followed him in silence to the penny tram. Under his protecting wing I was borne into the yard, and presently came on ‘90,’ where she was being whacked and riveted and hammered into shape.
It was like all other visits to dockyards, and secretly I was rather glad when it was over, but I had gained my host’s confidence in me and felt well pleased with my afternoon’s work.
We had tea at Southsea, and talked over old times and many other things, and then returned once more to the hotel and dinner. I refused all invitations to the Hippodrome afterwards, having my purpose in view, and when we reached the coffee and liqueur stage I felt that the psychological moment had arrived. I didn’t rush things, however; I led up to it gently, and let him have it in small doses till he swallowed the bait.
Hard and uphill work, but it came off in the end.
He had been explaining some of the advantages his new command had over the older boats he had served in, and I felt the time was ripe.
‘How does she compare,’ I hinted, and ended with a lowered voice, ‘with poor old “02”?’
He coloured a bit and hesitated, and I thought that all was lost, then,—
‘Taking her all round,’ he answered slowly, ‘“02” wasn’t in the same street. She was a good old packet, though.’ He sighed.
I passed the port again and waited.