“Probably not, if that were the only evidence,” said Mortimer.
“I demand of you in the interest of fair play,” said Rich earnestly, “that Admiral Bishop, Chief of the Bureau of Engineering, be permitted to come and speak in my defense. I am certain he will assure you of my innocence.”
“Very well,” said Mortimer, “I will send for him at once.”
In a few moments Admiral Bishop was ushered in, looking more pompous, his face redder and his whiskers whiter then ever. Mortimer told him briefly the story of the suspicions and charges, and summarized Rich’s defense. Admiral Bishop could hardly contain his indignation.
“This is the most outrageous frame-up against a loyal officer that I ever heard of,” he said. “Commander Rich has been my right-hand man throughout the war. He has contributed more than any one in Washington to the high state of preparedness of the navy to-day. Ask any man who has been close to the organization of radio communications in the fleet during recent months if the efficiency of the apparatus is not a signal tribute to the responsible man at the head.”
“We have just heard from one man who has been very close to radio communications in the fleet,” said Barton, “and he didn’t seem to look on their efficiency in that light.”
“Who?” asked Bishop.
“Evans,” replied Barton. “He seems to feel that our communications are working well in spite of Commander Rich, not because of him.”
“The gunner here!” said Admiral Bishop in surprise. “You don’t expect me to yield to a radio gunner in my judgment of the men in charge of the divisions of my Bureau?”
“No,” said Barton, “only you said, ‘Ask any man who has been close to the organization in the fleet,’ and he was one; that’s all.”