Get Ensign J. L. Coffee transferred as far away from flagship as possible. Can recommend him wherever red-tape is needed. E.
Later in the day Evans was talking things over with Elkins in the radio room, when a yeoman from the coding room handed Elkins a dispatch. He opened it and read:
Detach Ensign Coffee to proceed immediately to Washington, report Bureau Navigation.
Elkins handed the dispatch to Evans, saying, “I wonder what in hell they want him in Washington for.”
“That’s an interesting matter for speculation,” said Evans, and went about his work.
When Coffee received his orders, he was in the act of boasting to some of the other ensigns of the way he had carried out the instructions of no less an official than Commander Rich to squelch insubordination in the warrant officers under him, should he see any. He was telling how he was getting that man Evans to toe the mark, and how he was going to give him some more medicine before he got through. His jaw fell when he read the dispatch. The other ensigns tittered.
“Save your medicine for some one else, Coffee,” said one.
“Be sure you don’t swallow any of it yourself, by mistake,” said another.
Coffee, however, though profoundly chagrined, soon convinced himself that there must be an important mission awaiting him in Washington.