Argosy All-Story Weekly, July 11, 1925 — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

mae ES RE a Ba Se THE BIG GUN. It was an average, routine morning. All other offenders, like Cyrus, had been cited on their own recognizance. Apparently the comparative inoffensive- ness of the complaints annoyed executive officer Middleton. He would have liked ‘something to set his teeth into,” but, at first glance, this crop of malefactors mer- ited little more than reprimands and sus- pended sentences. There was not even an honor man to demerit, which was his. favor- ite form of discipline. “ Judge ” Middleton worked through his docket rapidly. He was not patient in lis- tening to explanations. Unless there was a flat denial of the charge he would not con- sider extenuating circumstances. The penny ante artists were sentenced to “‘ hammocks ” at “retreat” for thirty days, without ac- cess to the recreation hall during that time, and a warning that repetition of the offense would bring upon them severer penalties. The neglectful coxswain was reprimand- ed publicly. The sleepy stoker was con- demned to serve two extra watches, under close surveillance. The jackies who made cruel sport of the bear were sentenced to a day each in the brig, but the sentences were suspended with the proviso that they be enforced on a second offense. Cyrus was the last to come forward in response to his name. Judge Middleton looked to the complaining ensign. There seemed a hopeful gleam in his eye. -“ Why, this is a serious offense, Mr. Ten- flair.” ‘ Aye, sir,” was the respectful assent. The judge addressed Cyrus, saying: “Yeoman, you are charged with ma- licious mischief in entering the starboard sixteen-inch turret clandestinely in the ab- sence of the gun crew and the responsible officers. Guilty or not guilty?” “ Why, sir,’” stammered Cyrus, “ I didn’t know there was any harm. ‘I just—why— I, sir—” “Don’t trifle, yeoman. Answer the question—yes or no. Are you guilty?” ‘“‘T was not malicious, sir. I—” “No comments, yeoman. Answer me now directly, no equivocation, yes or no— did you enter the sixteen-inch turret yes- terday afternoon during the fire drill?” ae 183 “ Yes, sir.” “Who gave permission?” ‘No one, sir. I—” | The judge raised a stern finger. ‘‘ No comments, yeoman,” he said, and turned to the ensign, asking: “In what manner had he tampered?” ““T was too soon for him, sir,” > Tenflair promptly asserted. “I saw him go in and was on his heels. He had just put his hand on the breach of the starboard rifle when I entered and called him; but, sir, if you will permit me—this gob is a nuisance. He has no respect for discipline; thinks he has a right to roam into any part of the ship, even to the admiral’s cabin and the turret. He belongs in the pantry, but he won’t stay there.” Though sympathetic with the ensign, Middleton halted the ex parte comment with a gesture, and resumed the trial with the offender. ‘“ Now, yeoman,” he continued, “ you sneaked into the turret during fire drill” when you knew the crew would be absent. Therefore you must have known you were violating regulations, and no plea of igno- rance could be allowed. There can be no doubt you were mischievous. So far the charge is upheld. Now, then, the only question remaining is, were you mali- cious?” “TI was not malicious, sir!”? Cyrus stout- ly insisted, his eyes flashing. ““A moment, yeoman, and permit me to be the judge. Answer my questions. Why did you enter the turret?” ““T wanted to see how the big guns work, sir.” He looked squarely at the martinet. “Ah! Curiosity!” Officer Middleton seemed not displeased with the forthright manner of his prisoner, and ruminated: “Well, the turret is interesting. You have been in the service only a short time. I can understand how the desire to enter a. forbidden place and observe the hidden mechanism might have so aroused your curiosity that you would violate regula- tions, but we must have a way to make you realize the severity of your offense. Curiosity cannot entirely excuse you.” “It was not curiosity, ae Bisa ge sisted stoutly. comicbooks ay