But in this case, where the offender is an officer, it does not transpire that justice has been administered with the same impartial hand." "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.