"
"That, sir," answered O'Moy sharply, testily, "is because he is
missing."
The Secretary's thin lips permitted themselves to curve into the
faintest ghost of a smile. "Precisely," he said.
For answer O'Moy, red in the face, thrust forward the dispatch he
had received relating to the affair.
"Read, sir - read for yourself, that you may report exactly to the
Council of Regency the terms of the report that has just reached me
from headquarters. You will be able to announce that diligent
search is being made for the offender."
Forjas perused the document carefully, and returned it.
"That is very good," he said, "and the Council will be glad to hear
of it. It will enable us to appease the popular resentment in some
degree. But it does not say here that when taken this officer will
not be excused upon the grounds which yourself you have urged to me."
"It does not. But considering that he has since been guilty of
desertion, there can be no doubt - all else apart - that the finding
of a court martial will result in his being shot."
"Very well," said Forjas. "I will accept your assurance, and the
Council will be relieved to hear of it." He rose to take his leave.
"I am desired by the Council to express to Lord Wellington the hope
that he will take measures to preserve better order among his troops
and to avoid the recurrence of such extremely painful incidents.
Pages:
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68