The Cotton Spies

by Simon Glyndwr John

CHAPTER 60

  ‘What does General Muncerville think he is playing at? I have asked him twice. Now I want action.’

  Barber handed Statham Muncerville’s telegram refusing to return Fernee. When Statham had finished reading it he looked up and pulled a face. Barber leaned over his desk and snatched the telegram out of Statham’s hand.

  ‘The confounded cheek of the man, I will not have it Statham. Am I clear?’ Barber glared at the colonel.

  Statham looked suitably admonished. Though he had absolutely nothing to do with any of this he felt it expedient to hang his head. ‘Yes, general.’

  ‘I have written a complaint about the general and I want it enciphered and transmitted to India immediately and if possible even quicker.’

  ‘Not General Dexter in Baghdad as you said the other day?’

  ‘India is my chain of command not Mesopotamia, Statham. General Harris won’t let Muncerville ride roughshod over me. I have had the pleasure of serving under General Harris before and he has, I know, a good opinion of me. Why else would he have appointed me for such an important role?’

  ‘Of course he has.’

  Barber barked. ‘That was a rhetorical question. I do things by the book, Statham. I always have and always will. General Dexter’s role is fighting the Turks, not sorting out junior officers like Brigadier Muncerville. India will solve this – I’ll have Fernee back you mark my words.’ He thrust the telegram at the colonel who took it and slipped quietly away.