I suppose you don't know,
yet, that Admiral Townsley is here--sent by the Secretary of the Navy
to investigate and report on this matter."
"You'll see him--you'll make him understand, won't you?" demanded
Rhinds, eagerly.
"You can't make Townsley understand anything but facts," replied Mr.
Simms, dryly. "I know the man. He's a hard-headed truth-seeker. You
see, Rhinds, when I received your telegram, I hurried over to the Navy
Department to say what I could for you. The Secretary told me that of
course he didn't want you injured by any unjust suspicions."
"Of course not," quivered Rhinds.
"At the same time the Secretary made it plain to me that public sentiment
demands that the whole case be brought past the suspicion stage. He
advised me to come down here with Townsley, and see, for myself, just
what I ought to believe."
"You'll act as my friend, won't you?" begged Rhinds, tremulously.
"You'll show Townsley the absurdity of this whole business. Simms, I
look to your friendship, for you are my friend, aren't you?"
"Possibly," nodded the other, dryly.
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