The next morning Evans and Barton were smuggled into Mortimer’s office with every precaution that no word of their presence should reach the ears of Commander Rich. Admiral Rallston then came, and all sat down where they could watch the face of Rich as he entered the door. Rich was then requested to come to the Secretary’s office. So cordial had been their relations that he now felt sure all suspicion of him had vanished, and he obeyed the summons without misgivings.
With breathless suspense the others awaited his arrival. The door was opened by an orderly and Rich entered. All eyes were on him. As he saw Evans sitting before him, his face blanched visibly and there was the least suggestion of a tightening of his muscles. But in an instant he was all cordiality, his self-possession never better.
“This is an unexpected pleasure,” he said to Evans. “I hadn’t heard you were returning from the fleet so soon.”
“You wouldn’t,” answered Evans; “the Bureau keeps you occupied with larger issues.”
“Indeed,” replied Rich graciously, “I hear often of the splendid work you have been doing for us in the fleet in keeping our equipment in working order.”
Equally gracious was Rich in his greetings to Barton and Admiral Rallston.
Then Mortimer, bracing himself for the effort, spoke.
“Commander Rich,” he said, “I regret to say that a man from your division of the Bureau of Engineering was found purposely damaging the radio apparatus on the Delaware under pretense of making changes indicated in orders from you.”
“Indeed?” said Rich, his composure not the least bit ruffled, yet with an appropriate display of surprise. “And what was his name and rating?”
“Radio Gunner Long,” answered Mortimer. “Do you remember him?”