Mr. Eden caught sight of the direction; it was to himself.
“Probably my dismissal from my post?”
“It is.”
Hawes quivered with exultation.
“And I have authority to present you with it if you do not justify the charges you have made against a brother officer.”
“Good!” said Mr. Eden. “This is intelligent and it is just. The first gleam of either that has come into this dark hole since I have known it. I augur well from this.”
“This is a character, gentlemen.”
“To business, sir?” inquired Mr. Eden, undoing his portfolio.
“Sir,” put in Mr. Hawes, “I object to an ex-parte statement from a personal enemy. You are here to conduct a candid inquiry, not to see the chaplain conduct a hostile one. I feel that justice is safe in your hands but not in his.”
“Stop a bit,” said Mr. Eden; “I am to be dismissed unless I prove certain facts. See! the Secretary of State has put me on my defense. I will intrust that defense to no man but myself.”