“Tell me where you got the decorations, Nep,” said Mart, waving the suggestion of food aside and nodding at Nelson’s right sleeve. “You don’t have to salute me any more, do you? Not that you ever did, though. What’s the big idea? You in training to take Sims’ place?”
“’E’s a bloomin’ ’ero, ’e is,” explained Tip. “Fought hoff the ’ole German Nivy, ’e did, and got ’it in the ’ead and ain’t been the sime since!”
Nelson gave a brief account of the Gyandotte’s adventure, aided by Tip, who supplied a deal of interesting but scarcely credible matter, and Mart declared warmly that he had always known “Nep had it in him, by Jupiter!” After which, as Nelson and Mart both refused to eat any more or countenance the opening of further bottles of ginger beer, the trio went out and sought adventures along the water front. But adventures don’t happen in Queenstown merely for the seeking, and they finally parted after making an appointment for the next day.
Nelson went back to the ship feeling very happy, for it was good to have Mart around again. He thought of a lot he meant to tell that youth at the first opportunity, for he had always found it easy to confide in him and was sure of sympathy, but the opportunity for confidences didn’t arrive until long after, as it happened. Mart and Tip kept the appointment the next forenoon, but not Nelson, and, after kicking their heels along the quay for an hour, the two decided to pay a visit to the Gyandotte and enjoy the ineffable pleasure of watching Nelson work. Tip was certain of a welcome and Mart saw no reason for being refused on board, and so they engaged a waterman and set forth.
Once aboard, Tip set off to visit the officers’ quarters as a matter of duty and politeness, and Mart sought Nelson. “Sorry I couldn’t make it,” said the latter when he had greeted his friend, “but they’ve granted no liberty at all today, for some reason. Looks as if we might be going out, although we’re not due to until tomorrow. Want to see what a real ship looks like?”
Mart said he did, and asked if there was one in port. Presently, viewing the engine room, they were joined by Tip, who had wrested himself from the blandishments of the ward room officers. The three were still making a lagging round of the ship when one of the men, hurrying by, called to Nelson: “Better get your friends off, Mate. We’re pulling out!”
“Fine hospitality!” complained Mart: “Well, be good, Nep. Come on, Tipperary, or we’ll be on the briny!”
“I say,” was the response. “I’d rather like it, you know. I wonder if they’d mind if I did.”
“Why don’t you ask?” said Nelson. “I wish you would. And I wish you might come, too, Mart. You might stow away!”
“No, thanks! I’ve seen enough sea duty for awhile. Me for shore and real food! Well, see you all later.”