Rhinds," admitted the
president of the naval board, coldly. "I cannot see that the evidence
at present available allows of my ordering anyone under arrest. I am
bound, in view of the fact that suspicion has pointed your way, to state
that I intend to leave the corporal and four of the marine privates
aboard. On the home cruise a marine sentry will be posted, all the
time, close to the after port of your torpedo tube."
"It is humiliating--very," sighed Mr. Rhinds. "Still, I shall be the
last to offer any objection to any arrangement that seems wise to the
members of the naval board."
The corporal and four of his marines were therefore left under command
of Ensign Pike, with instructions to see to it that constant guard was
kept by the torpedo tube.
No allusion to the evidence could be made before the members of the
cutter's crew on the way back. Captain Magowan led his own party to
the office of the commander of the gunboat.
"Er--gentlemen--" began Magowan, slowly, "I must admit that our most
elaborate case of circumstantial evidence seems to be knocked into a
cocked hat by the one substantial fact that the 'Thor' still has her
full number of torpedoes on board.
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