The Blue Ice

by Innes Hammond

'And then?'

'Then we will see.'

I watched him, wondering what he was after. His eyes were black in the glare of the lights. His withered hand was crooked like a claw. In some peculiar way he was enjoying the situation. 'Get Sunde,' I told Dick.

When the diver came in, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, I said, 'Where's Farnell — Bernt Olsen? Is he at Aurland?'

Sunde's eyes opened wide with surprise. 'Ehe, who's bin tellin' yer-' Then he broke off, staring at Dahler. 'Oi told yer not ter tell 'em nuffink,' he muttered angrily.

'Then he is at Aurland?'

The diver's expression became obstinate.

I caught Dick's arm. 'Fetch the chart, will you?' I said.

When he returned I spread the sheet on the table. Aurland was farther up the Sogne — the next fjord to the south. I looked up at Sunde. 'Have you any relations at Aurland?' I asked.

'No.' His voice was sullen.