'I wasn't worried about that,' she replied quietly. 'I was just wondering what he would be able to tell us.'
There were shouts from the wharf. I heard Dick's voice giving orders to the hands. Then footsteps moved on the deck over our heads. A moment later the engine started. I dived up the companionway. The sun had set. In the cold, dead light of approaching darkness the factory buildings loomed very black above the packing sheds. 'Lovaas heard all right,' Dick said. 'He's up there on the bridge, watching us.'
I looked up at the tall bow of Hval Ti. I could just see the outline of the bridge. Lovaas was standing with legs straddled on the catwalk. Dick tapped my arm. 'Here's Curtis,' he said.
I turned. 'Well?' I asked as he came aft to the cockpit.
'You're gambling on a pretty safe bet,' he said. 'I had a word with an electrician who lives in the steward's quarters. He says there are normally two boats in that inlet. They belong to the station. This afternoon, just after middag, he saw Sunde rowing one of them down the cut. He hasn't returned yet.'
'Is he expected back?' I asked.
'Yes. All his things are here. Besides, he's a stranger in Bovaagen. The electrician johnny says there'd be no reason for him to stay there the night.'
'Good.' I turned to Wilson. 'Let go fore and aft,' I ordered him. 'Dick. You and Curtis clear the mains'! cover. Up on peak and throat as soon as you're ready.' I picked up the speaking tube. 'Half ahead,' I told Carter as the last of the wraps thudded on to the deck.
As we slid past Hval Ti, Lovaas leaned over the rail of the catwalk and hailed me. 'Where do you go, Mr Gansert?' he asked.
'Fjaerland,' I replied. 'You'll find me there if you have anything to tell me.'