"Aye, aye!" was the orthodox reply, given in clear, decisive tones.
The boat was brought smartly alongside the accommodation-ladder, and a young officer came briskly over the side. Jack Sefton, "sub" no longer but a full-fledged "luff", as the two gold rings, surmounted by a curl, on each of his sleeves denoted.
"Well?" enquired Boxspanner eagerly. "Have you seen Crosthwaite?"
"Saw him this afternoon," was the reply. "Passed the medical board with flying colours. He's reported fit for duty on the 8th."
"Good business!" ejaculated Stirling fervently.
"And," continued Sefton, "I'm in the know. Our owner's due for promotion. He'll be given a light cruiser; and unless I'm very much mistaken we'll have Crosthwaite as our skipper before long."
"Quartermaster!" said Sefton, as he turned to descend the companion-ladder.
"Sir," replied that worthy, already known to our readers as Thomas Brown, A.B., but now a promising petty officer.
"See that I am turned out at 5.45."
"Aye, aye, sir."