A Moving Sketch

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"Hornblower, what is the meaning, sir?"

"C-Captain Pellew, sir!"

"I repeat - what is the meaning, sir?"

"Sir, I... I..."

"Follow me."

<pause>

"And now, sir, an explanation if you please."

"Yes, sir. I... I've taken up drawing, sir."

"Let me see. So you've taken to sketching your captain, have you?"

"Uh..."

"Not bad for a beginner, I must say. The nose is a bit large and the eyebrows a bit too thick, but otherwise you show promise. I think a few lessons might improve your technique though. In fact you may be surprised to learn that I have some small talent in sketching."

"You do, sir?"

"Hmm. Used to sketch quite a bit in my youth."

"Oh, sir, if I may be so bold, would you teach me to do it properly? I would be most grateful."

"I'll see what I can do. Of course it must not interfere with your duties."

"Oh, indeed not, sir."

"Very well. But first I believe I am in need of some practice myself. Shall I sketch you, sir?"

"If... if you wish it, sir."

"No time like the present. Remove your uniform, sir."

"My uniform, sir?"

"Quite. And stretch yourself out there under the windows where there's some good light while I find some paper."

"Y-yes, sir."

<pause>

"Now let us begin. If you would arrange yourself... Yes, that leg stretched out and your elbow under your head I think. Yes, excellent."

<pause>

"Hornblower, how can I sketch you when you keep moving?"

"But I'm not moving, sir."

"Well one part of you is certainly moving, sir."

"Oh. Forgive me, sir."

"Now don't go covering yourself up, there's a good lad. It happens to all of us."

"Sorry, sir."

"Why don't you take the problem in hand - so to speak?"

"Sir?"

"Go right ahead, Mr Hornblower, and I shall just... continue my sketching."

<long pause>

"There now. What do you think, sir?"

"Oh! Ohhh, sir! It's... uh... amazing."

"I'll take that as a compliment, sir."

"Oh, indeed, sir. I... I am... most flattered."

"I draw things as I see them, sir, nothing more."

"But nevertheless, sir..."

"Tut tut, Hornblower. No false modesty now."

"As you say, sir. Sir, if I may be so bold, might I also sketch you in the same position?"

"You may, Mr Hornblower. You may."

<pause>

"Sir, I fear that one part of your anatomy will not stay still."

"Just ignore it, sir. Ignore it."

"I... I find that I cannot, sir."

<pause>

"Well, Hornblower, I see that you've solved the problem nicely - for both of us. My compliments to your ingenuity, sir."

"Thank you, sir."

"And do you wish to finish your sketch?"

"Perhaps later, sir. Right now, if I may be so bold, I would prefer to experiment with other methods of solving this... uh... unique problem, sir."

"Go right ahead, sir. You have your captain's permission to be as bold as you like."

"Aye, aye, sir!"

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