While the admiral communicated at once with Captain Magowan, Congressman
Simms sent his card up to John C. Rhinds. The latter, all a-quiver,
now, and showing a haggard face in which smiles fought for a chance,
received his visitor.
"Well, Rhinds," was the Congressman's greeting, "the country is all
stirred up over this submarine incident out at sea. So is the Navy
Department, which is bound to respond to public opinion in such a case."
"I'm glad you've come," replied Mr. Rhinds, eagerly. "I look to you to
save me from a most unpleasant, most unmerited charge."
"No charge has been made against you--yet," replied the Congressman.
"I should have said a suspicion," replied Rhinds, tremulously.
"That suspicion seems to be pretty general," answered the member of
Congress. "Have you anything to smoke here?"
Rhinds, with an almost childish eagerness, brought forth a box of cigars,
adding:
"I'll ring and order breakfast served for you here, while we talk."
"Thank you, no," responded the Congressman. "I've got to move fast
to-day, for I can't spend much time here.
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