What should you have said ?" "Somewhere near it," was the candid admission.

"Never mind, Horridge, you've done your bit.

You shall pass on your experience to a new hand, take your pension and try the south coast of England for a few months.
Now let's get on with it.

You know what I want to hear about." Horridge produced from his pocket a long strip of paper.
"They're there, sir," he announced, "coaled to the scuppers, every man standing to stations and steam up.

There's the list." He handed the paper across to Sir Henry, who glanced it down.
"The fast cruiser squadron," he observed.