CHAPTER VIII
WHO AND WHERE IS RIVIÈRE?
"Who is Rivière?"
Here was a new factor in the situation. Lars Larssen mentally docketed it as a matter to be dealt with immediately. After sending off a reply telegram to Cherbourg (which reached the quayside too late and was afterwards returned to him), the shipowner got a telephone call through to Olive at the Hotel des Hespérides.
"This is Mr Larssen speaking. Are you Mrs Matheson?"
"Yes. Good morning."
"Good morning. I called you up to say that your husband has sailed for Canada on 'La Bretagne.' I had a line from Cherbourg this morning."
"So had I."
"I suppose he explained matters to you?"
"No, he referred me to you for explanations. Just like Clifford!... What about Rivière—is he coming to Monte?"
Lars Larssen had to tread warily here. So he answered: "I didn't quite catch that name."