A glance at his chief’s face told the anxious lad that Lazar had already made his report.
Mr. Penfield, who had been in conversation with the captain as the boy entered the cabin, excused himself quickly and left, casting a glance of sympathy at Phil as he passed him.
It seemed to the waiting youth that he must have been standing there a long time before Captain Taylor’s voice relieved the oppressive silence; its tone was not unkind, but it was strictly official.
“I have but this minute received Mr. Lazar’s report of the battle,” he spoke slowly, punctuating his words; “he tells of the rout of the rebels, which is good news indeed, but he makes a serious charge against you, Mr. Perry.” Here the captain took in his hand a paper which he had doubtless been reading to the executive officer before Phil had appeared. “This is Mr. Lazar’s report; I shall read it to you: ‘It is my painful duty to report to you the following incidents which happened about 4 P. M. this afternoon,’” the captain read from the paper in his hand.
“‘By order of the minister I left the legation at 3:30 P. M. and rode out to the lines to view the battle which I believed was about to commence. Upon my arrival at the outskirts of the city the first assault was made, which I was too far away to witness distinctly, but I saw that the rebels were repulsed. From my position I sighted two figures in white on the top of the hill, La Mesa; these aroused my suspicions, believing they were foreigners helping the government arms. Upon closer investigation I was astounded to recognize in these figures Midshipmen Perry and Monroe, apparently in command of a detachment of Verazala infantry.
“‘Believing that they were committing an unwise act, I approached Mr. Perry and ordered him to leave the hill at once and return with me to the legation.
“‘He refused to obey and defied my authority, turning his back upon me.
“‘By your order I was in supreme command over our men ashore and feel that I was within my authority in giving this order to Midshipman Perry.
“‘Such a serious breach of military discipline should not go unpunished, and for the good of the service I have to request that Midshipman Philip Perry be brought to trial by general court martial on charges growing out of this incident.’”
The captain ceased reading and laid the paper on the table.