Thus the engineer became a fugitive. Smith learned nothing further
from him. For all practical purposes, the investigation was narrowed
down to what Billie, through Mona, and her husband, through Powart,
were able to uncover. But it was enough; enough to strain their
imaginations to the snapping point, and make all four doubt their
new-found senses.
Van Emmon declared that he intended to warn Powart that his plan was
suspected. "It's only fair," stoutly, "after what you told Fort,
through Mona." And Billie had no answer to that.
So the geologist watched the chief closely, finding it decidedly
hard to catch him in the required state of semiconsciousness.
Apparently Powart was always alert, even up to the exact moment of
going to sleep; after which he invariably slept like a log, but
awakening with a start, bolt upright in bed. But Van Emmon continued
to watch his chance.
Meanwhile another message had been received from the Alma
expedition. It ran as follows, after decoding:
People here are planning to construct a great fleet to visit Hafen
and Holl about the middle of next year.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155