lying out in the open gazing at the stars and the sea. Now, on which side of the deck we ladies slept, even after all that happened, I can't remember. In fact, I never can remember which is the port and which the starboard side. And it was this that led to my undoing.
'Yours is the second bed from the cabin-door on the starboard side, miss,' my nice polite young steward said, as I met him on my way up the companion stairs. 'The second from the cabin-door on the starboard side,' I repeated to myself as I hesitated at the top of the stairs. Outside all the lights were out, and no one was about. I couldn't in the least remember which was the starboard side. I cannot understand why sailors will make life more complicated by the use of outlandish nautical terms. Why on earth can't they talk simply and straight-forwardly about the right and left of the boat? Most people do remember their right hand from their left, though Aunt Agatha always gets muddled if you ask her suddenly.
I knew it was no use trying to remember which was the starboard side, so I cautiously peeped out of the nearest door. It was very dark, but by peering round I was just able to make out the second bed. To my joy it was empty. Of course, I hadn't any further doubt. That must be mine. So I quietly slipped round the first sleeping form and got into it. I had just made myself comfortable, and was preparing to enjoy the stars and the sea for a while before I went to sleep, when, to my horror, from close above me came a deep gruff voice.
