Truth and Beauty: 1-2

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“Of course!” said Jack, turning as he did so to see who was calling and recognizing the tall, thin form of his friend Jevons, whom he hadn’t seen since final exams.

“Haven’t seen you since finals, Jack, where have you been keeping?”

“Looking for a ship,” said Jack, "though I haven’t said ‘no’ to some of the delights of shore, neither. What have you been up to?"

“Looking for a ship. And I’ve found one, too!”

“Have you, you sly dog! That deserves a drink, a commission at last! What ship? Tell me about her.”

“She is the Roth,” said Jevons.

“Roth?” replied Jack, thinking hard, “Roth? What is she? I’m ashamed to tell you I don’t know the name.”

“She’s a floating garbage can, actually. But she’s a ship, still and all. Transport, but she means full pay and I suppose the chance of promotion, some day. Beyond Lieutenant. But come,” he said, brightening suddenly, “let us wet the swabs!” He gestured embarrassedly to his new gleaming epaulets, purchased that morning with an advance on his pay, wonderfully heavy on his shoulders.

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