"Going to march the detachment into barracks, sir."
"Umph! I know that. What are you doing with your leave?"
"Going up to Scotland, sir."
"Umph!" he growled. "That's it, is it? When you get tired of Scotland, come down and get a bit of shooting with 'Blucher' and me. The missus will be glad to see you."
"Thank you very much, sir, but I hope not to get tired of Scotland as soon as that," and marched down the gangway to the shore for the last time. The old sergeant-major reported the detachment present; I sung out, "Royal Marines! At'shun! Shoulder arms! Left turn! Quick march!" and we left the old Vigilant, which had been our home for three years, and embarked in a tug for Clarence Victualling Yard, at Gosport, where headquarters' band was waiting to play us into barracks.
I left Grainger behind to bring all my gear across later on.
CHAPTER XX
Home Again
Paying Off—Home Again
Written by Midshipman Ford