French wrote down: “1, Salisbury.”
“No. 2,” went on Cheyne, “is Immingham.”
“2, Immingham,” wrote French, as he remarked, “Salisbury—Immingham: S—I. That goes all right so far.”
The next three towns were Liverpool, Uttoxeter, and Reading, and though none of the men could see where silur was leading, it was at least pronounceable.
But when the next three letters were added French gave a mighty shout of victory. No. 6 was Ipswich, No. 7 Andover, and No. 8 Nottingham. ian added to silur made Silurian.
“Silurian!” French cried, striking the table a mighty blow with his clenched fist. “Silurian! That begins to show a light!”
The others stared.
“Don’t you recognize the name?” went on French. “The Silurian was a big Anchor liner, and she was torpedoed on her way to the States with two and a half millions in gold bars aboard!”
The others held their breath and their eyes grew round.
“Any of it recovered?”