Of course, for Jervis, preserving the Steam Warship construction program he had initiated with his own hands also meant preserving his position as First Lord of the Admiralty. A knock sounded, and Jervis's assistant called from outside the office, "General, Lieutenant Colonel McPherson wishes to see you."
Jervis gestured for the official giving his report to leave first, then told his assistant, "Let him in."
Moments later, McPherson entered, saluted, and placed a stack of documents before Jervis. "General, the investigation results are in."
Jervis weighed the report in his hand and said impatiently, "Give me the conclusion."
"Yes, General." McPherson dipped his head slightly. "Of all the warships that malfunctioned, at least six suffered from broken ship axles." Since most of the ships that had run into trouble had failed to return, only these few had solid evidence.
"Furthermore, we inspected the other Steam Warships and have so far found cracks in the main axles of seven vessels."
Jervis's face darkened at once. "Where is that bastard Kane?"
"He has been arrested, General. The Gendarmerie are conducting an interrogation."
Robert Kane was the unlucky man who had been responsible for procuring Guaiac Wood from Jamaica back then.
McPherson continued, "In addition, I found that extensive embezzlement occurred at Chatham Shipyard during the construction of the Steam Engines." He indicated the report. "Starting from page eleven, hull construction supervisor Nick Thompson falsified work hours and profited by 4,300 Pounds Sterling... Quality inspector for ironwork and paint, Wins Matter, selected castings from his relatives' factory and profited by 6,000 Pounds Sterling...
"Accounting adviser Dennis Stanton..."
Jervis raised a hand to cut him off. "Just tell me the total."
"33,000 Pounds Sterling, General."
The First Lord of the Admiralty's expression remained unchanged. Compared to the total investment of nearly 700,000 Pounds Sterling,