THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
you'll get there in time. How long have you been serving?"
"Only about five months. I joined in November. I was at Newport until a month ago. Do you think, sir "
"Well?" asked the man, encouragingly, as Nelson hesitated.
"Do you think I'd have stood a better chance to get across soon if I'd joined the Navy instead of the Reserves, sir?"
"I don't think that would have made much difference, Troy. You youngsters have to wait your turns, you know. We try to select men for the other side who have seen service, but we can't be too particular now, for there's a ship asking a complement every day or two and you new men are getting your chances fast. Navy enlistment has been slower than we hoped for so far, but I think it will pick up. Meanwhile you must console yourself with the knowledge that what you are doing along the coast is just as important as. what our lads are doing in British waters. It's very necessary work, even if it isn't spectacular.
"Yes, sir, I suppose it is, only I want to learn gunnery, and there isn't much chance on our boat.
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