“What? What are they?” Derek wanted any information that might be a clue to his father’s whereabouts.
“It was reported, shortly after your father left us, that such a man of his appearance had been seen in the foothills of the Carbet Mountains. But these tales were discounted. It would be highly unlikely that your father would explore the mountains. His interest was in the ocean and what might be on the bottom of the sea. I am sorry, young man.”
Derek left the Sans Souci very disheartened. If the rumors were true, why would his father have gone into the interior of the island? And if he had gone there, why had he stayed so long?
“I’m going to find out,” Derek said to himself determinedly. “Every chance I get, I’ll go into those foothills and peaks. I’ll find him.”
* * * * * * * *
In Fort-de-France, Herman Dietz could hardly contain his anger. Specks had never seen the boss so furious.
“But it could not have been,” Dietz said angrily. He and Specks were in the Fisheries Commission Office. The clerk they were talking to cringed at Dietz’s words.
“You’re a fool!” Dietz raged. “I tell you Derek Zook couldn’t have signed for those papers. Derek Zook is in Curaçao. Right this minute.”
The clerk could only shake his head.
“You remember what I promised you?” Dietz continued. “I told you you would share in the proceeds of the pearl fishery. There was little you had to do. Only hold up those rights until I could act.”