raw nothing, sir. I had no intention of laying a charge, and I
have laid no charge against the sergeant major; but at the same time I
have no hesitation in saying that the regulations governing the canteen
are not observed, and, as I understand that the responsibility for
enforcing these regulations is in the sergeant major's hands, in that
sense I consider that he has failed in his duty."

But the sergeant major was too old a soldier to be caught napping.
He had his witnesses ready at hand to testify that the canteen was
conducted according to regulations, and that if the chaplain's batman
or any others took more liquor than they should, neither the corporal in
charge of the canteen nor the sergeant major was to be blamed.

"All I can say, sir," replied Barry, "is that soldiers are frequently
drunk on this ship, and I myself have seen them when the worse for
liquor going into the canteen."

"And did you report these men to their officers or to me, Captain
Dunbar, or did you report the corporal in charge of the canteen?"

"No, sir, I did not."

"Then sir, do you know that you have been guilty of serious neglect of
duty?" said the colonel sternly.

"Do I understand, sir, that it is my duty to report to you every man I
see the worse for liquor on this ship?"

"Most certainly," replied the colonel, emphatically. "Every breach of
discipline must be reported."

"I understood, sir, that an officer had a certain amount of discretion
in a matter of this kind."

"Where did you get that notion?" inquired the colonel. "Let me tell you
that you are wrong. Discretionary powers lie solely with me."

"Then, sir, I am to understand that I must report every man whom I see
the worse for liquor?"

"Certainly, sir."

"And every officer, as well, sir?"

The colonel hesitated a moment, fumbled with his papers, and then
blurted out:

"Certainly, sir. And let me say, Captain Dunbar, that an officer,
especially an officer in your position, ought to be very careful in
making a charge against a N. C. O., more particularly the sergeant major
of his battalion. Nothing is more calculated to drag down discipline.
The case is dismissed."

"Sir," said Barry, maintaining his place before the table. "May I ask
one question?"

"The case is dismissed, Captain Dunbar. What do you want?" asked the
colonel brusquely.

"I want to be quite clear as to my duty, in the future, sir. Do I
understand that if any man or officer is found under t