“You needn’t read that. One writes anything--anything that’s vivid enough to swamp the moment.” “And some of it is----Lynwood, why didn’t you tell me you wrote this? Why haven’t you read it to me? I judged you only by the gentler stuff. And now, here are passages flaming with vision: the speed and pause, the song and shock of blank verse. Do you realize----” “Yes--yes; I realize.” “And you didn’t show it me?” “It was my own; a kind of sanctuary. Peace there ... everyone shut out by flames.” John was huddled in his chair, his feet drawn up, his eyes gazing out above his knees. Hartington looked at the lines the writing of which had been interrupted by Aggett’s arrival. “Could you go on from here?” he asked, and read them aloud. “No; not now. But don’t read them. Aggett’s waiting.” Hartington stooped over the table and picked up a pen. “_I am afraid it is inevitable that you should make an official report,_” he wrote. “Take that to Aggett.” “You are not going to beat me?” “No.” John delivered this reply, and Aggett immediately left the Engine-room. He jerked back the curtain of Hartington’s cabin so that the rings clashed on the rod. “What’s the meaning of this?” “Surely the meaning is clear.” “You won’t beat him?” “No.” “Why?” “My reasons are my own.” “You’ll be made to give them.” “Oh!” “By the Commander.” “You intended to take this to the Commander?” “Certainly I do; and a pretty fool you’ll look, young man. This obviously is an offence that can’t be passed over. There’s nothing for it but beatin’. The Commander will send you his orders.... Wouldn’t it be easier to give way now than then?” “I shall not give way then.” “Refuse to obey the Commander’s orders?” “In this case--yes.” “On what grounds?” “That depends. If it is to be in any way a personal matter I have my explanation. If the Commander makes it a Service point--strictly a question of discipline--his definite orders refused: well then, Aggett, I take it to the Captain.” “A real sea-lawyer, eh?” said Aggett. “It’s pig-headed drivel. And, you mark my words--it won’t do any good. If you take that stand you may avoid this beatin’, but the Commander won’t forget it, and the Captain won’t forget it.” “As a point of fact,” Hartington said, “this is all heroics. The contingency won’t arise. This matter will not be taken to the Commander.” Aggett grinned. “Then I send Lynwood to you again?” “No. That isn’t what I meant. I am not giving way. But I think it’s as well we should understand each other. Sit down, will you?” “I prefer to stand. And no sort of compromise’ll do for me--see?” “All right.... Now this is not going to the Commander because you won’t take it to him.” “That’s all you know!”