Slow Boat From Marseilles

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 257, 17 August 1950, Page 7

Slow Boat From Marseilles

“ By Michael Hastings. E

S Serial Story 5

= (Copyright) = "iiiiiEiJsmiismiimiimHmjimiiiismimA CHAPTER X. ZAKAS IS ENRAGED He didn’t expect to establish it beyond all doubt. Lacoste was not likely to confess,, and Augie was probably incapable of telling the truth. Assuming that his theory was right there were two or three points to his advantage. First, 'Lacoste had learnt that trouble can work both ways. Second, Lacoste must be somewhat uneasy, not knowing how much his proposed victim knew. And third, it was unlikely that Augie would come up for more. . , ' At the top of the companionway he came face-to-face with the captain. -“Did you see Dr. Prinz?” Zakas asked. “Only for a few seconds, sir." “I take it that he gave you no instructions?" “None, sir.” Zakas seemed pleased. “We expect to sail shortly after midnight,” he announced. “I have to go ashore now to make a few final arrangements. The passengers will be coming aboard during the evening.* I have told Mr Lacoste to see that the cabins are ready. He will reauire some of the men for cleaning duties.” Oliver nodded.

"You will take over during my absence,” Zakas continued. A worried expression came into his eyes. “It’s just possible that you will receive a call from the police. I don’t think you will be able to give .them any help. They are making inquiries about the injuries which Johansen- received last night.” “I’ll suggest that they .call later,” Oliver said. i

“That would be the best plan.” In a more confidential tone, the captain said: “The less trouble we have with the police, the better. We don’t want to find ourselves tangled with official formalities at the last minute. ‘l’m sure that I can rely upon you to be discreet.”

“Certainly, sir.” Then, as Oliver could not resist the impulse to put the captain out of countenance, he said. “What if they ask questions about Max?”

Zakas was taken by surprise. “Max!” he repeated. “Who’s Max?” “One cf the crew, sir. I understand that, he went ashore last night and has not returned. According to another seaman, named Augie, they were involved in a street fight. Augie returned looking much the worse for wear.” For a moment it seemed that Zakas would explode. His eyes looked ready to pop out of his head. He spat out a few curses in his native tongue. After that, with an effort, he became calmer. But his face went a sickly hue. Actually, Zakas had remembered the warning given by Dr. Prinz.

“There shouldn’t be much fuss made over a seaman,” he said thoughtfully. “If you are asked questions, use your discretion. The main point is that we should nob be involved.” “Very good, sir,” said Oliver. He went up to the bridge to make sure that the negro had obeyed instructions. Zakas bounded towards the small cabin used by Lacoste. He found the Frenchman there.

“Just getting some cigarettes,” Lacoste explained amiably. “Then I’m ready to make a start on the cabins down below.” He straightened up, the package in his hand. A frown made a deep furrow across his forehead. “Is there anything wrong?” he asked.

“There is,” said Zakas grimly. “When you came to talk things over with me, why were you not hpnest? Why did you keep things back?” The frown deepened. Lacoste shook his head.

“I don’t know. Did I keep anything back? I think I said all that needed to be said.”

“You did, eh?” Zakas almost barked. “So! You told me all about Max! It was just that I did not hear!” Lacoste looked more puzzled than ever.

“I don’t understand you,” he said. ‘Do you mean the member of the crew called Max?” “Who else should I* mean? What was he up to last night.” For the first time, Lacoste showed signs of being ill at ease. •

“I sent him on shore to do a little job for me,” he said. Zakas smiled grimly. His voice dropped to a husky level. “And suppose I explained all this to Dr. Prinz? Perhaps, he would not be pleased with you, eh?” “Why bring him into it?” the Frenchman cried. “It will not help you. Setting him against me will not do you any good.” • “Quite,” said Zakas. “I know that. And that being the case, why did you not tell me that Max had not returned?”

Lacoste stared at him. “Not returned! But I did not know. Look, captain, I will tell you all about it. I did send Max and one other.”

“Augie,” Zakas prompted, secretly glad to be able to display his know ledge.

“Augie,” Lacoste admitted. “I gave them orders. No doubt you can guess what they were. Augie returned and came to my cabin. Hu was badly knocked about: He told me that just as they went for Oliver, three other seamen turned up. Evidently they took Augie and Max for local gangsters and beat them up. That was what Augie told me. He said nothing about Max. I naturally assumed that Max had returned with him. Zakas considered this for a minute Then he said: “I think you will have to be very careful how you deal with John Oliver. You may find him more dangerous than you imagine.” “I shall be most careful,” Lacoste assured him. “There must be no mistakes next time.” £To be Continued.) The characters in this story are entirely imaginary, and no reference to living persons is intended.