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door, whilst the others screwed the nuts; in addition to this, the hoses had to be led from the water boat alongside the rail to the tanks which were situated in the bottom of the ship; five forward and four aft. No assistance was given me.
I succeeded in taking in 80 tons of water and replacing four of the manhole covers. Being then 3 p.m. and not having stopped to dinner I went to my cabin to rest, being utterly exhausted.
At 5 p.m. I decided to go on shore (leave being granted to the crew) with the object of obtaining further advice with respect to Valient, having lost a considerable quantity of oil cargo.
After clearing myself, I applied to the Chief Officer for leave; this was refused.
On asking the reason for being refused, he informed me that he had no particular reason, only stating he wouldn't give me leave; the Captain was not on board, and on finding this to be the case, I informed the Chief Officer it was my intention to go on shore under protest. I left the ship at 5.30 p.m., returning at 11 p.m. On Friday morning, the 20th instant, I went to Abbey's at about 6 a.m., working until 8 a.m. at breakfast. At 9.30 a.m., whilst on deck, the Chief Officer sent for me to his cabin. I was ordered by him to hand over to him the keys of my workshop and the cable store. This I utterly refused to do.
On the termination of breakfast, I asked for the return of my keys, but was refused. I have never seen them since.
I then informed the Chief Officer it was my intention to see the Shipping Master to ask for an investigation into the whole case.
On