SUPPER WAS OVER; CRAWSHAW went up on the bridge, and Soames came down hungry for his; Olsen put a new blade in his razor and shut himself in the tiny lavatory to remove several days’ growth of beard. By the time he got back to the wardroom, Soames had worked through to the coffee stage and they were waiting to start a game of Liar Dice.
Olsen played badly, losing three match-sticks and thus his first ‘life’ in the first three games. MacGregor asked him, ‘Something on your mind, Olsen? You were pretty sharp, last time.’
Chief’s beard vibrated as he laughed. ‘He’s looking forward to his duties tomorrow morning, I wouldn’t be surprised ... ’ He glanced quickly at the Captain, remembering too late that this was recently forbidden ground. But Olsen grinned, fingering his newly- shaved cheek.
