'When did you hear from him?'
'The message was received after his death,' I said.
The girl started forward with a little cry. Dahler was watching Jorgensen.
'I'll set you ashore if you like,' I said. 'But remember — here in this cabin, I am convinced, is collected all the truth about Farnell — or as much as we require to know. And whilst you're in the States — I shall be in Norway.' I paused, watching him. Then I crossed over to the door. 'Think it over,' I said. 'If you like, I'll put you ashore at Greenwich. Only make up your mind quickly. We'll be passing the landing stage in about five minutes.'
I closed the door on them then and went up on deck. It was very dark after the glare of the cabin. All about us was a glitter of lights. The air was cold on my face. The deck throbbed under my feet. The swish-swish of water slipping past us was exhilarating. We were on our way.
I went aft to where Dick sat, a still, dark figure behind the wheel, the slender mizzen mast outlined like a spear against the glow of London. 'I'll take her now,' I said. 'You go down and get our passengers sorted out. Allocate cabins, issue blankets, sheets, clothes, anything they need. Keep them occupied, Dick, and separate Jorgensen from Dahler. Introduce the Somers girl to the galley and have her get a meal together. Don't give any of them time to think. I don't want anyone, least of all Jorgensen, coming up to me and asking to be put ashore.'
'Okay, skipper,' he said. 'I'll do my best.'
'Oh, and tell them to write down any messages they want sent,' I added as he moved off. 'Explain we've got transmitting as well as receiving sets.'
'Right,' he said and disappeared down the companionway.
I slipped into a duffle coat and took my place behind the wheel. Wilson was coiling down the warps. I called to him and he came aft. He was a Cornishman, not young, but a fine seaman. 'Get Number One jib and stays'! from the sail locker,' I said. 'And the jib-headed tops'l. If the wind doesn't increase we'll be able to carry them.'