“Most certainly,” replied the colonel, emphatically. “Every breach of discipline must be reported.”
“I understood, sir, that an officer had a certain amount of discretion in a matter of this kind.”
“Where did you get that notion?” inquired the colonel. “Let me tell you that you are wrong. Discretionary powers lie solely with me.”
“Then, sir, I am to understand that I must report every man whom I see the worse for liquor?”
“Certainly, sir.”
“And every officer, as well, sir?”
The colonel hesitated a moment, fumbled with his papers, and then blurted out:
“Certainly, sir. And let me say, Captain Dunbar, that an officer, especially an officer in your position, ought to be very careful in making a charge against a N. C. O., more particularly the sergeant major of his battalion. Nothing is more calculated to drag down discipline. The case is dismissed.”
“Sir,” said Barry, maintaining his place before the table. “May I ask one question?”
“The case is dismissed, Captain Dunbar. What do you want?” asked the colonel brusquely.