They were holding what was almost a public reception in the ward-room
of the _Missalanna_. The Honorable J. J. Flavin, having appeased his
hunger and slaked his thirst, signalled the Filipino mess-boy for a
smoke; and having decided as to what was the most expensive cigar on
the tray, he took two, and moved on to where, through a shining
air-port, a fresh sea-breeze might find its cooling way to his beaded
brow, for it was a warm summer's day and at trencher-play the Honorable
Flavin had been no laggard.
As the Honorable J. J. smoked, so did he take the time to observe; and,
observing, he vouchsafed the opinion to a thin-faced, high-shouldered
young fellow who happened to halt near him: "These navy fellows must
have a fat time of it, huh, Carlin?"