He seemed to hesitate. Then he said, 'I had a conference at Norway House. I could not come earlier.'
'Are you sure you didn't come because Sir Clinton told you I'd be meeting some people who knew Farnell at six o'clock?' I asked. It was a shot in the dark. And when he didn't reply, I added, 'You wanted to know who was sailing with me to Norway, didn't you?'
'Why should I?'
'Because you are as interested as we are in George Farnell,' I answered.
'That is ridiculous,' he replied. 'What is all this about Farnell? The man is dead.'
'Yet I've had a message from him.'
I was watching his face and in the light from the open door of the chartroom I saw his eyes narrow.
'When?'
'Quite recently,' I told him. Before he could ask any further questions I stood up. 'Dick. Take the wheel, will you,' I said. Arid then: 'You don't need to worry, Mr Jorgensen,' I told him. 'I'll not take you to Norway against your will. But come below a moment and hear what I have to say.' I turned and went down the companion way.
In the saloon I found Curtis and Miss Somers seated where I had left them. Dahler was pacing up and down. He swung «round as I came in. 'Why are we going down the river, Mr Gansert? I wish to be put ashore, please.'