The engine room was just the same. The hum of the alternators and the steady beat of the engines thrilled his blood. He stood in the doorway for some minutes in silence. The sight of running machinery was meat and drink to him. A little square-shouldered man wandered up to ask him what he wanted. Carstairs held out his hand. "Hullo, Bounce, have you forgotten me?"
"Well, I never. Mister Carstairs! I ain't forgotten you, sir, but you was in the dark."
"Any one I know left on the staff? Who's in charge?"
"A new engineer, sir. They be all new since your time."
"All new! Ye gods, how fellows do shift about."
"They do, sir. I've seen hundreds come and go since I've been here."
So they stood talking for some time. "I suppose you're off at twelve, Bounce?"
"Yes, sir."
"It's nearly that now. I'll wait. You can come round to my hotel and get a drink."
"Thank you, sir. I'll go and wash and change. Would you like to see the engineer?"