'I see.' Jorgensen stroked his chin, massaging the blue stubble with his fingertips. A gold signet ring glittered as it caught the light. 'It could be almost any one on the station then?'
That is so.'
Kielland, I felt, was not being helpful. It was clear he resented this cross-examination. Jorgensen looked at his watch. 'Just on nine,' he murmured and turned to the radio. A moment later the familiar' Ullo-ullo-ullo-ullo Bovaagen Hval' of the catchers reporting filled the office, Whale Two reported his position and then Whale Five reported whale. Jorgensen lifted the microphone and requested Whale Ten for his position. The voice of Captain Lovaas answered: 'Vi passerer Utvaer Fyr, herr Jorgensen. Vi er fremme klokken ti.'
'What's Lovaas say?' I whispered to Jill.
'He say he's just passing Utvaer lighthouse,' she answered. 'He will be in at ten o'clock this morning.'
An hour to go. Just one hour and he would be here in this office. He might tell his story to Jorgensen and myself together. On the other hand, Jorgensen might get him alone and persuade him to keep his mouth shut. 'Where's Utvaer Light?' I asked Jill. 'North of Bovaagen?'
'Yes,' she answered. 'About twenty miles north.'
Jorgensen had switched off. He was sitting, staring out of the window, still rubbing his hand across his unshaven chin. I got to my feet. 'Nothing we can do till Lovaas gets in,' I said. 'We'll go and have breakfast.' I gave Curtis a nod to get him moving. Jorgensen glanced up at me. 'Will you have yours on board?' I asked. 'Or on the station?'
'Thank you, I will have it here,' he replied.
I turned to Kielland. 'By the way, what's this Captain Lovaas like? Is he a good skipper?'