"Captain Hanson," he exploded. "Would you be so kind as to tell me where I can find my Forenzi jars?"
Hanson said, "Forenzi jars? What are you talking about, Chief?"
"You'll be knowing what a Forenzi jar is, no doubt?" said Garrity caustically. "'Tis a lead container for battery solution. Yesterday there were thirty of them in the storeroom. Today there are only a half dozen left!"
Hanson said pettishly, "Now, Chief, be kind enough to conduct your own search for the jars. I don't know anything about them. If you can't watch your own equipment, don't complain to me about it!"
"I'm complaining to you, sir," said the Chief, "for the verra simple reason that 'twas one of your men who removed them from the locker. Your third mate, Mister Biggs!"
"Biggs!" said Hanson. "Biggs!" His face reddened. He walked to the intercommunication unit, jabbed the button that connected with Biggs' quarters. "Mr. Biggs?" he yelped, "Chief Garrity is up here in the turret asking about twenty-four lead containers that disappeared strangely from his equipment locker. Do you know anything about—"
The diaphragm clacked an answer. Hanson started. His eyes bulged. He yelled, "What?"
Again some metallic buzzing. This time Hanson didn't try to answer. He tottered away from the 'phone.
"G-Garrity," he faltered, "will you be needin' the Forenzis before we make port?"
"Well, 'tis not exactly vital—" admitted Garrity.