Edward Everett Evans

“ But here the bird seemed at a loss, fluttering from door to door, seeking that certain room.
As Hanlon had so shrewdly guessed, Admiral Hawarden was no fool, but quick on the up-take. “Open all these doors!” his voice rang out commandingly.
As fast as doors were opened—whether locked or not made no difference to the marines—the pigeon darted forward and glanced into each one before flying on the next. Then it disappeared through one of the doorways, and the admiral, who had kept as close to it as possible, yelled “Here!” and ran into the room, his men streaming after him. ”

“ Lights were blazing in almost every room, and Hanlon's mind knew thankfulness that so many of the high officers were still at work.
Window after window the bird peered through in furious haste, searching for an admiral's office. If it could get inside, Hanlon had thought of several ways in which it might communicate ... providing the admiral was not an orthodox brass hat.
But, he told himself to maintain courage, any man who could gain as high a position as any of the various types of admirals would have had to show his resourcefulness time and again. ”

“ Hanlon was grim. “Get me back to your office, and get a doctor. They gave me truth serum, and it hasn't all worn off yet. And I'm hungry,” he added so plaintively that Hawarden, accustomed enough to sight of death so it didn't affect him too much, laughed.
“What'll we do with the bodies?”
“Guard the Prime Minister's closely. Merely notify the people here where to find the others.”
Hawarden called back two of the marines. “Bring that body with us,” and they left.
At the entrance the admiral recalled his men. To the palace officer he partially explained. ”