A Brig of War by Richard Woodman

abusive?’ butted in Lestock, ‘come man, we want the truth.’
    Tregembo shot a glance at Drinkwater. ‘Happen I was short with him, zur,’ he conceded but repeated, ‘I thought it was one of my mates, zur . . . I didn’t know it was Mr Dalziell, zur.’
    â€˜A storm in a tea cup,’ muttered Appleby and Rogers flushed. Drinkwater was tempted to leave the matter there, but Lestock persisted to fuss.
    â€˜What
exactly
did you say, man?’ he asked testily.
    Drinkwater sighed, both Rogers and Dalziell were only holding their peace with difficulty. ‘Come Tregembo,’ he said resignedly, ‘what did you say?’
    Tregembo frowned. He knew Drinkwater could not protect him and his head came forward belligerently. ‘Why zur, what I’dsay to a mess-mate, that he was a clumsy fucker . . . zur.’
    Drinkwater stifled a grin and he saw both Dalziell and Rogers relax, as though their case was proved.
    â€˜That seems to be clear abuse,’ said Lestock and Drinkwater suddenly felt angry about the whole stupid business. Without Lestock’s tactless interjections he might have ended it then and there, but he now had to take the offensive.
    â€˜Now think carefully, Tregembo. What was then said to you? Remember we want the truth, as Mr Lestock says.’ Tregembo looked at Dalziell, opening his mouth then closing it again before he caught the intense expression in Drinkwater’s eyes. He had known the lieutenant long enough to take encouragement from it.
    â€˜He called me an insolent whoreson bastard, zur, and told me to get my pox-ridden arse below decks where it belonged.’
    Drinkwater swung his glance swiftly to Dalziell. There was no denial from the midshipman, only a slight flushing of the cheeks. Dalziell blurted ‘And he called me a cocky puppy, damn it!’
    â€˜Silence, Mister!’ snapped Drinkwater. ‘Tregembo, do you mind your tongue in future when you address an officer.’ The two exchanged glances and Drinkwater dismissed him. He turned to his two colleagues, suddenly aware that he had closed the case without consultation. ‘I am sure you agree with me, gentlemen, that Tregembo’s initial remarks were made by mistake under the false assumption that another hand had tripped over him. The manner of Mr Dalziell’s subsequent ordering of him below was of such a nature as to disqualify him from receiving the manner of address expected from an able seaman to a midshipman.’ There was a sharp indrawn breath from Rogers but Drinkwater was undeterred. ‘The midshipmen aboard any ship of which I am first lieutenant will be obliged to behave properly. I will not tolerate the apeing of bloods out whoring which seems the current fashion. It would not be in the interests of the ship to flog Tregembo.’
    â€˜Damn you, Drinkwater, damn you to hell.’ Rogers leapt from the chair.
    â€˜Be silent, sir!’ stormed Drinkwater, suddenly furious at Rogers. Then, in a quieter tone he turned to the master and surgeon. ‘Well gentlemen, d’you agree?’
    â€˜Of course, Nathaniel, damned stupid business if you ask me.’ Appleby eyed Rogers disapprovingly.
    â€˜Is my character to be disputed by an apology for a pox-doctor . . ?’ he got no further. Emerging from his cabin Commander Griffiths appeared. The five men in the gunroom rose to their feet. He had clearly heard every word through the flimsy bulkhead.
    â€˜I approve of your decision, Mr Drinkwater, just as I disapprove of your conduct, Mr Rogers.’ Griffiths spoke slowly then paused turning his lugubrious face on Dalziell. His bushy white eyebrows drew together. ‘As for you, sir, I can think of only one place where your presence will not infect us all. Proceed to the fore t’gallant masthead.’
    The commander passed between Rogers and the scarlet midshipman with ponderous contempt and made