"It's a mistake to think the jackies don't live well," observed Striker, when they were finishing up and some of the men had already drawn their pipes, for the hour after the last meal of the day was "smoking lamp" time. "The lads know how to make their allowance go as far as anybody, and they make the cooks do the best possible with all victuals as comes aboard. To be sure, on a long trip we'll git salt hoss and pilot crackers putty often, but that can't be helped on any ship, as ye know."
The "smoking lamp" just mentioned is a peculiarity of the navy. On account of the explosives aboard it is strictly prohibited to carry matches. So to light their pipes during the time they are allowed to smoke the men have a covered lamp lit for them, the cover having a small hole in it through which pipes can be lit.
Usually, the time after supper belongs to the men, to do with as they please. Some read, if they are fortunate enough to have any literature with them, others play banjos and accordions, some dance jigs, and not a few gather in groups to talk and spin yarns. At half-past seven "hammocks" is sounded, and then the men can retire if they desire. If they wish to remain up, they can do so for two hours longer,
