‘You lucky bounder,’ said Austin. ‘Just imagine it. I did my re-fit in the depths of winter and had a positively loathsome leave. You’ll just come in for the best time in the year.’ ‘You might do a little commission for me on your way down,’ put in the Staff Paymaster. ‘I’ve got a parcel I want taken home. Too big for the post, and I live in Darlton.’ ‘Me, too,’ said the Fleet Surgeon plaintively. ‘And it’s only such a little one.’ ‘And get me some decent soft collars while you’re down there,’ cried the Engineer Commander. ‘My wretched things are worn to shreds.’ ‘Here, steady on now, you chaps,’ laughed Raymond. ‘I’m not going till Friday. I’ll make a list of all your wants and do my best.’ ‘Well, if you will go back to civilisation in this positively disgusting manner,’ said Carruthers, ‘you must expect the inevitable result. Hallo, here’s Seagrave.’ ‘Come in, my little man,’ cooed the Torpedo Lieutenant gaily. ‘And Boyd, too; this is a pleasure to be sure. Ring the bell nicely and ask the pretty gentlemen what they’ll have.’ The new-comers blinked in astonishment. ‘What is it, sir?’ asked Seagrave. ‘It’s not my birthday nor Boyd’s either, as far as I know.’ ‘No, no, my boy; but you’re going down for a re-fit. Just think of it and all it means.’ ‘What! a re-fit. When?’ ‘Friday next,’ said Raymond. ‘Good Heavens! what luck,’ cried Boyd. ‘My brother home on leave, too. Good bally business.’ ‘Talking about leave, my friend,’ persisted Torps, ‘what are we all going to have?’ Seagrave rang the bell. * * * * * Aft, on the port side of the _Parentis_, was a cabin, and in the cabin was a table. On the table was a large pile of books, sheets of foolscap, and mysterious forms labelled, S ‘134d,’ S ‘0196,’ etc. Close to the table was a chair, and on the chair sat an officer, with puckered brow and a fed-up expression on his face. The face was Raymond’s. Enter Seagrave with a harassed look and a further bundle of papers. ‘Well, what is it now?’ queried the seated one wearily. ‘Oh, it’s you again, is it? Go ahead.’ ‘Additions to the defect list. Only a few. And I’ve brought the list of alterations at the same time.’ ‘Oh, have you; that’s cheery news. Great Scott! Is this what you call a few? The list’s a fathom long as it is. Here, let’s have a look. Hydroplane gear to be overhauled; steering gear overhauled and adjusted; new ventilator fans. Any one would imagine the boat was dropping to pieces. This is going to be “some” defect note, let me tell you. The alteration list isn’t very huge, however. Bridge enlarged, stanchions fitted, hum. All tanks are down to be tested, of course, and air bottles as well. Engines stripped. Hum. Give me that pink sheet. And ahead we go on the defect note. The alteration list I’ll let you copy out if you’re good. Now, as to demand notes?’