"Lieutenant-Commander Denton, Lieutenant-Commander Hansen, Lieutenant Holton, Lieutenant Trent and yourself." "Were there any enlisted men in your office, sir ?" "None since before the letter came aboard," replied Captain Gales.
"Then I would beg to suggest, sir," Lieutenant Cantor continued, "that each of the five officers you have named, myself included, request that their quarters be thoroughly searched.

If the missing envelope is not found in their quarters, then I would suggest that the quarters of every other officer on board be searched." To this there was a low murmur of approval.

The executive officer was instructed to take the chaplain, the surgeon and two other officers beside himself, these five to form the searching committee.
In the meantime, the officers were to remain in the ward-room or on the quarterdeck.
Dave, Dan and Trent seated themselves at the mess table.

Time dragged by.

At last the searching committee, looking grave indeed, returned.
"Is this the envelope, sir ?" asked Commander Bainbridge, holding it out.
"It is," replied Captain Gales, scanning it.