of their new commanding officer.

For twenty-four hours after his arrival on board Commander Potvin was
too busy paying official calls and unpacking his belongings to make his
presence really felt. The fun began the next morning, when, after
divisions, he sent for Pardoe to come and see him in his cabin.

"You may have heard, First Lieutenant," he began, very pompously, "that
I am a very observant man, and that I notice everything that goes on
board my ship?"

"Indeed, sir," said Pardoe politely, wondering what on earth was coming
next.

"Yes," said the commander. "I am unnaturally observant, and though
some people may think I am a faddist, there is very little that escapes
my notice. To start with, I always insist that my officers shall wear
strict uniform, and at the present moment I am grieved to see that you
are wearing white socks."

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know you would mind. The officers in the
flagship wear them with white clothing."

"I was not aware that I had asked you a question, Lieutenant Pardoe,"
interrupted the skipper, his beard bristling. "Moreover, what they do
or do not do in the flagship is no affair of mine. The uniform
regulations lay down that socks are to be black or dark blue, and I
expect my officers to wear them. I also observed just now that the
Surgeon was wearing a watch strap across the front of his tunic, which
is in strict defiance of the regulation which says that watch chains
and trinkets are not to be worn outside the coat. I do not wish to
have to take steps in the matter, but kindly bear it in mind yourself,
and inform your messmates, that I insist on strict uniform."

"Aye, aye, sir."

"There are several more matters I wish to discuss," the captain
resumed, twiddling his moustaches. "You will doubtless have heard that
I like to keep my ship's companies happy and contented, eh?" He looked
up enquiringly.

"Er--yes, sir. Of course, sir," said the first lieutenant lamely,
having heard precisely the opposite.

"Very good. To keep the men happy and contented one has to keep them
employed, so in future there will be no leave to either officers or men
until four o'clock in the afternoon. We shall doubtless be able to
find plenty for them to do on board."

Number One opened his mouth to expostulate, but thought better of it.
"I like the men to feel that their ship is their home," continued the
skipper, "and to encourage them to stay on board in the afternoo