'That's 'er.'
''Oo?'

Page 1.

Pincher Martin, O.D.
A STORY OF THE INNER LIFE OF THE ROYAL NAVY

By

'TAFFRAIL'
Author of 'Carry On,' &c., &c.

ILLUSTRATED BY

C. Fleming Williams

LONDON: 38 Soho Square, W.
W. & R. CHAMBERS, LIMITED
EDINBURGH: 339 High Street
1916

Edinburgh:
Printed by W. & R. Chambers, Limited.

PREFACE.

This story was written in rather difficult circumstances, and subjectto frequent interruption. Indeed, when the first chapters appearedin Chambers's Journal early in 1916 the narrative was barelyhalf-finished. Sometimes I almost despaired of ever completing it,for it can perhaps be understood that writing on board a small shipactually at sea in time of war is impossible for more reasons than one.

The reader is cautioned against accepting the story as an officialaccount of the part played by a certain section of the Navy during thewar. Incidents described are true; but, for reasons which must beobvious, it has been necessary to give them fictitious colouring. Italso seems desirable to add that all my characters are fictitious, andthat each chapter was submitted to the censors at the Press Bureaubefore publication.

It should be added that a considerable amount of matter is contained inthis volume which did not appear in Chambers's Journal when thestory appeared in serial form.

More than ever am I deeply sensible of the very real debt which I oweto my wife, both for her help in revising and correcting the proofs,and for her many suggestions for improvements.

TAFFRAIL.

1916.

TO MY WIFE.

CONTENTS.