“I could do that, I think. To-day I came down within a few feet of the spot I aimed at, and I could let the machine down on deck if the yacht were not rolling or pitching too much.”
“But hang it all, Tom, the deck wasn’t made for such a purpose.”
“No; but it wouldn’t take long to rig up a temporary wooden platform and framework over the after-part of the vessel to serve as a landing-stage.”
“You appear to have thought it all out,” said Mr. Greatorex. “D’you want to rush me off my feet?”
“Not a bit,” replied Tom smiling. “You’ll be safe on deck.”
“Well, how long will it take to get everything ready?”
“A week.”
“Very well. I’ll write off to Bodgers to-night to trim the yacht. The rest I leave to you. And mind, not a word to a soul.”
“I think I shall have to tell Oliphant. In fact, it was he who put it into my head.”
“That’s a nuisance! Well, we’ll have him to dinner to-morrow. I want to take stock of him. Not a word till I have sized him up.”