Do I understand that if any man or officer is found under the influence of liquor, anywhere in this ship, and at any hour of the day or night, he is to be reported at once to the orderly room, even though that officer should be, say, even the adjutant or yourself ?" Barry said, gazing up at the colonel with a face in which earnestness and candour were equally blended.
The colonel gazed back at him with a face in which rage and perplexity were equally apparent.

For some moments, he was speechless, while the whole orderly room held its breath.
"I mean--that you--you understand--of course," stuttered the colonel, "that an officer must use common sense.

He must be damned sure of what he says, in other words," said the colonel, rushing his speech.
"But, sir," continued Barry.
"Oh, go to the devil, sir," roared the colonel.

"The case is dismissed." Barry saluted and left the room.
"Is the man an infernal and condemned fool, or what is the matter with him ?" exclaimed the colonel, turning to his adjutant in a helpless appeal, while the orderly room struggled with its grins.
"The devil only knows," said Major Bustead.

"He beats me.