The M.A.A. made a note in his book. 'Able Seaman Billings!' he called.
Joshua ambled aft at a jog-trot, halted in front of the table, and, from sheer force of habit, removed his cap.
'Keep yer 'at on!' growled one of the ship's corporals in an undertone. 'You ain't a defaulter!'
The commander turned his face away to hide a smile, and Billings, covered with confusion and rather redder in the face than usual, resumed his headgear.
'Able Seaman Joshua Billings. Requests a turn o' week-end leaf out o' watch.'
'Why d' you want leave out of your turn?' the commander asked, eyeing the A.B. with a half-smile hovering round his mouth. 'You've been ashore a good bit lately, haven't you?'
'Yessir, I 'as,' Joshua answered, fidgeting. 'But ye see, sir, it's like this 'ere. I've got werry himportant business ashore 'ere, sir, an' I wants to git it fixed up.'
'What sort of business? Money, or something of that kind?'
'No, sir. 'Ardly that. It's ter do wi' a lady, sir--lady wot lives ashore 'ere an' keeps a sweet an' bacca shop wot sells noospapers. I'm--I'm'---- Joshua paused, licked his lips, and shifted his feet nervously.
The commander smiled. 'Are you--er--in love with the lady?' he asked.
The master-at-arms and one of the ship's corporals cleared their throats noisily.
'Yessir, that's abart it. Yer see, sir,' Billings went on, in a sudden burst of confidence, 'I sez ter meself that it's abart time I started lookin' round fur somethin' ter do w'en I leaves the service, seein' as 'ow I'm close on me pension, an' I sez ter meself'----
'Yes. I quite understand,' the commander interposed kindly. 'Time is short, and you needn't go into details as to how it happened. You've behaved yourself well for the last couple of months, so I'll grant your request. You mustn't make a habit of it, that's all. Look out, too, you don't get into trouble, and, above all'--he looked up with a smile--'beware of evil companions. I wish you luck in your affair, Billings.'
'Request granted. 'Bout turn, double march!' broke in the M.A.A.
Joshua saluted and trotted off, very much pleased with himself.
Several other requests were dealt with, and then came the turn of the defaulters.
'Ord'nary Seaman Martin!' shouted the M.A.A.