I said nothing. The centre span of Tower Bridge was above us now. The two uplifted sections of roadway threw back the sound of our engine. We were through just ahead of the tramp steamer. Beyond our bowsprit, the river lay like a dark road winding to the sea. On either side the warehouses stood like shallow cliffs. And behind us London glowed, reflecting the light of its millions on the low cloud that covered the city.
'You can't get away with this, Gansert,' Jorgensen shouted. I thought for a moment he was going to try and seize the wheel. I didn't say anything. I was filled with a crazy feeling of elation. Of course, I couldn't get away with it. I just couldn't kidnap the man. But if I could bluff him into staying on board… if I could get him so worried that he didn't dare go ashore for fear of missing something… I had three people with me who all knew something about Farnell. Cooped up in the narrow confines of the ship I'd get their stories out of them. And with Jorgensen on board, instead of on his way to America, I didn't have to worry about the time factor. 'For the last time, Mr Gansert,' he said in a quieter tone, 'will you kindly put me ashore.'
I looked up at him then. 'Are you certain you want to be put ashore, Mr Jorgensen?' I asked.
'What do you mean?' There was genuine surprise in his voice.
'Why did you come to see me this evening?' I asked.
'Because I wanted you to use your influence with Sir Clinton — to persuade him to agree to operate with us in the development of the mineral resources of my country.'
For the first time I noticed that he had a slight lisp. But it didn't make him sound effeminate. Rather the reverse, for his struggle to pronounce his r's gave his speech added emphasis.
'I don't believe you,' I said bluntly. 'You came to see me because you wanted to know what we'd found out about George Farnell.'
'That is absurd,' he answered. 'Why should I be interested in this man Farnell? Perhaps he was good once. But ten years is a long time.'
'He spent most of those ten years in Norway,' I reminded him. And then I said, 'Why did you come to see me precisely at six o'clock?'