Argosy, September 1955 — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

104 ROWAN AYERS absurdity ot the position. He hoped and prayed that Leo, his own regular bowman, who always went below for a sleep the minute the Silver Streak left the jetty, would not emerge through the open hatch to restore any of the reality. “IT should just like to say a few words,’”’ Michael began, and was surprised by the tone of his voice. Someone in the ranks began to mutter. ‘““ Keep silence, there,’’ shouted Brewis with dramatic effect. ‘“ For some of you,”’ continued the Captain, “ this may be your first seagoing appointment.” It was an opening he had used before many times. “ And you may find things a little strange at first. But I want you to settle down into the routine as quickly as possible, and make this a really happy and efficient ship.” He dug his hands into the pockets of his duffel and glowered at the motley crew before him. “ That can only be achieved,” he said, “‘ by teamwork, and complete co-operation, from the oldest among you, right down to the youngest boy.” For a moment he caught sight of the awe-stricken child who | had been proving such a pest, and the sight nearly deflated him. ‘That is all I have to say,”’ he added quickly, ‘“‘ except to wish you good luck, and safe landfalls.”’ ‘““ Hear, hear,”’ said the reedy voice of the small man. The young blonde in the port watch began to clap very softly, until Brewis turned on her savagely and withered her into silence with one of his special disciplinary glances. -A couple in the starboard watch were gazing at Michael, wide-eyed. They too had somehow been caught up in the fantasy of the moment, and saw before them a strange new life opening out. Visions of walk- ing the plank, keelhauling, cockroaches, whippings, and being clapped in irons hovered indistinctly about their brains. But above all the confused images, they could see Brewis; Brewis the terrible, standing threateningly above them, goading them on to further efforts as they scrubbed at an obstinate patch of grease on the paintwork. The small boy, with a less extensive imagination, believed he was about to be thrown to the sharks; though his mother, who was a great deal more practical, decided that the naval ratings must be drunk, and that she must study their faces carefully so as to be able to give a full and competent report to the police the moment they got back. ‘“ That’s the ringleader,” she whispered to her husband, indicating Brewis. “‘ Criminal lunatic, I shouldn’t wonder.” ‘“ Ship’s company,” screamed Brewis, as Michael returned to his sanctuary in the wheelhouse, “ship’s company . . . ’shun! Able Seaman Pudney, take the port watch and work part of ship, b) commiclooks.conn