“Just a minute.... Just a minute, Lieutenant,” the Captain crooned, getting up from his chair and walking around the table. He grasped the hand that held Sergeant Canwick’s shoulder and the hand was removed instantly. “Now ... if you will explain this intrusion in some sensible manner, I will listen. The sergeant happens to be a friend of mine and I feel certain that he has not broken any rules or regulations.... Now, what’s on your mind?”
“Don’t make me laugh, Captain,” replied Jay-Jay with a snarl. “I hate to spoil your little fun.... I believe I could mention a few violations on your own part, if it becomes necessary.”
The Captain laughed. “I pay for the wine I drink, Lieutenant.” Then he turned to the M.P. and asked, in a pleasant voice, “Can you tell me what you’re looking for?”
“Don’t know anything about it, sir,” replied the M.P. “The Lieutenant called me to help chase a man who hopped a taxi and came here. That’s all I know about it, sir.”
“Is this the man?” asked the Captain, indicating the sergeant.
“Can’t prove it by me, sir,” replied the M.P. “All I saw was his back.”
“Of course it’s the man!” Jay-Jay broke in impatiently. “I ought to know. It won’t do any good to equivocate, Captain! You know as well as I what the situation is, and I’m going to see the end of it.”
“Just what is the situation that so needs to be put to an end?” inquired the Captain. “That is, I’d like to know, if you think you can tell me without indulging in any more unpleasant insinuations.... You know, Lieutenant, there’s no court-martial for hitting a man who insults you.” He smiled meaningly at the Lieutenant. “Now, the situation is what?”
“Don’t talk to me about insults and courts-martial, Captain.... You know as well as I—better, no doubt!—that Sergeant Canwick, your very dear friend, is a girl!”
The Captain seemed surprised as he turned his attention to the sergeant and asked, very seriously, “Sergeant, have you been deceiving me all these years?”