Captain Gales, as he spoke, turned his back in order to reach for a report book behind hum.
Ten minutes later Commander Bainbridge was summoned in hot haste to the Captain's office.
"Bainbridge," announced Captain Gales, his face stern and set, "at three o'clock a bulky envelope lay on my desk. That envelope contained the full plan of the Navy landing in Vera Cruz, in case such landing becomes necessary. All that we are to accomplish, and even the duties of the different officers and detachments from this fleet were stated in that letter. Not later than within the last half-hour that envelope has disappeared!"
Instantly Commander Bainbridge's face became grave indeed.
"Have you been out of the room, sir?" asked Bainbridge.
"Only once, and then, so the marine orderly at the door informs me, no one entered here."
"This is serious!" cried the executive officer."
"Serious?" repeated Captain Gales in a harsh tone. "I should say it was."
"Let us search the room thoroughly, sir," begged the executive officer.
Though no search could have been more thorough, the missing envelope was not found.