The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures)

by Giles

  Caird shrugged, “That’s what they said. I woulda pegged ‘em as Germans mesel’ I meet up with a lot o’ foreign fisherfolk, most o’ them are ‘weigens or danes and right honest folk too. But this lot was all snooty and thinkin’ better o’ themselves, and they weren’t speaking any Danish I ever heard. That’s a soft rolling language it is, these fellas were speaking somethin’ that sounded like they was clearing their throats, I thought it might be German. And he paid me in Marks.

  “I see,” said Carstares. “So where did the Kroners come from?”

  “I think the fellow in the rower musta brought ‘em. It looked ta me that he handed that captain something right before the devil turned to me and paid me off.”

  “Well Sir, you have been most helpful. You, your crew and your boat are released. The Crown thanks you for your cooperation.“

  Captain Caird nodded and stood, obviously in a hurry to be rid of his visitors. “G’day to you.”

  Carstares nodded to the man in reply and quickly went through the cabin door that Jerard was holding open. Jerard and Carstares both nodded to the customs officer in the hallway and made their way up to the pilot’s station once more. Jerard opened his mouth to speak but Carstares held up a finger and shook his head. Leading the way he got off of the fishing vessel as fast as he could, handkerchief pressed to his nose.

  Jerard stifled a laugh and wondered, as he followed behind Carstares, if the thin handkerchief really did any good against the stench. He was content for the moment with the silence while he replayed the conversation with Caird in his mind. The only conclusion he could come to was that the port of Aalborg was now added to their itinerary.

  A few minutes later Jerard and the Colonel found Tash and Lars standing in front of a beautiful sailing sloop talking animatedly.

  Tash caught sight of them and exclaimed, “Isn’t she beautiful! I shall have to tell Mr. Starblower about her, she’s for sale you know.”

  “Is she now?” Jerard remarked dryly.

  “Oh yes!” Tash said, ignoring Jerard’s tone. “And she will need a captain and full crew.” Tash looked up into Lars’ face. “And I know just where I can get one.”

  Jerard had to turn away to keep from laughing out loud when he saw Lars’ blush. Unfortunately Carstares had no such compunction and burst out laughing. The Colonel was rewarded with a stern look that evaporated when he clapped the blond man on the back.

  “Are you finished Carstares?”

  “Yes I am. Please allow our criminals to go free now.”

  “And did you get anything from them?”

  “Not really.” Carstares replied. “It looks like you were right all along old man.”

  Lars snorted. “I know you better than that ‘old man’. You look like the cat that ate the cream. But it is no concern of mine. The vessel was stopped under suspicion of transporting stolen goods. None were found so they are to be released. This is the official version, yes?”

  Carstares bowed. “Yes, you are correct. I suppose I shall owe you a rather large favor then?”

  “Oh count on it, Robert, count on it.” Lars said and then turned to Tash. “And you fair lady? When will we have the pleasure of your company again?”

  “Very soon I think Sir.” Tash replied, it being her turn to blush. “I am to meet Mr. Starblower here in a week’s time. I would like to show him this ship. I feel certain that he will be very interested. May I call upon you at the custom’s office? To conduct business of course! I would not be so bold as to…”

  Lars patted her hand and smiled. “Of course, oh please do. Father will be delighted that Mr. Starblower is interested in purchasing his boat.” He raised Tash’s hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “Until next week madam. I shall be looking forward to it.”

  “As will I Mr. Brodersen.” Tash said breathlessly and reluctantly removed her hand from his warm grasp.

  Jerard cleared his throat. He was finding it difficult to stomach this simpering scene. Did the woman really have to go so far? Leading an upright man along like some puppy was just not right. If he did not know any better he would say that she looked at Lars with real affection! That was just preposterous, Jerard thought, trying hard to ignore that little niggle at the back of his brain; the one that was causing his stomach to tighten up and his ire to rise. “Shall we Miss Smythe-Harris?” Jerard asked a little stiffer than he intended.

  Tash raised an eyebrow at him but took the offered arm with a smile. She resisted the urge to take one last look at the very handsome and very available Lars Brodersen. Business first she reminded herself. Next week there will be plenty of time to explore this new development.

  “Tash, call me Tash Captain Phillips” She said absentmindedly.

  “I beg your pardon Miss Smythe-Harris?”

  “Call me Tash, Captain Phillips.” She replied. “Most of my officers do already.”

  “I had observed that, but I would not presume to address you by your christian name.” He replied dryly.

  “Well yes its less of a mouth full than what my parents saddled me with: Theodosia Amelia Smythe-Harris. And you too Colonel, it looks like we are going to be in this for a great deal longer than anticipated.”

  The colonel smiled at the unexpected courtesy. “ I shall endeavor to remember it Mada... ...Tash” He concluded.

  After this the trio remained quiet on the walk back to the HLC. Upon reaching the alley Tash could stand it no more. “So? What happened? Where is Dr. Nordstrom? Why did it take so long?”

  Jerard made a point of not answering and looking at Colonel Carstares. Who shot a furtive glance at the alley's mouth before speaking.

  “I am afraid madam that we have been foiled again.”

  Tash rolled her eyes, she already knew that! Why state the bleeding obvious? But instead of speaking she just motioned for Carstares to continue. Patience was never her strong suit but she was trying.

  Carstares cleared his throat. “Well, to sum things up as neatly as I can, it appears that our villains changed horses in midstream, literally. They are probably in Aalborg about now. I can only assume that the good doctor is still with them.”

  “Aalborg? Denmark?” But why…” Tash trailed off and tapped her lip in thought. “That actually makes sense if you think about it. Denmark is a whole lot closer to Germany than Stavanger. Clearly, I need to hear the rest of this story but I think we should get back to the Discretion.”

  “Agreed madam.” Carstares said, as he eyed the HLC. “And as much as I hate to say this, we need to do it in all haste.”

  “I agree as well. It will probably take the rest of the night to get the ship back into a safe flying condition.” Jerard said, and vaulted into the back seat of the HLC. He looked expectantly at the other two. “Well?”

  5:45 pm

  Municipal Gasworks

  Stavanger, Norway

  The HLC careened through the streets of Stavanger, the two passengers holding on for dear life. Conversation was impossible and after a few tries all attempts were abandoned. Jerard recognized that they were not returning the way they had come and fervently hoped that their lady driver knew what she was doing.

  Soon the narrow streets opened up to reveal a more industrial area. Oddly enough this is where Tash choose to slow down. Having found what she was searching for, one more careening turn brought the HLC to a halt in front of a gray building. “Here we are!” She announced, obviously proud of herself.

  Carstares did not bother to question where he was, he just jumped from the vehicle with a dexterity belying his girth. Jerard was a little slower to exit but that was only because he had to un-wedge his leg from under the front seat. Both men backed away from the HLC as if they thought it would bite them. Tash however just turned to look curiously at the two men.

  “What are you doing?” She asked.

  Both men mumbled unintelligibly for a moment before Jerard clearly said, “We are just stretching our legs Miss Smythe-Harris…just stretching our legs. So, where is ‘h
ere’?

  “The gas-works.”

  “I see.” Said the Colonel, who clearly did not see. “I thought madam, that we were returning to the Discretion.”

  Tash looked at the man as if he were crazy then pointed to the sky just behind where Carstares and Jerard were standing. Both turned to see the Soul of Discretion floating about five hundred feet above them. Jerard burst into laughter.

  “So you were following the Discretion through the streets! And here I thought you were just a…”

  “Just a what captain?” Tash said, her eyes narrowing.

  “Well then, well done!” Carstares chimed in. “It makes perfect sense that the ship would be here over the gas-works. I do believe I recall you saying that the old girl had to refuel.”

  Jerard shot a grateful look at Carstares. “Yes madam, well done. But I do see a bit of a problem. How are we going to get back into the ship? I suppose we shall have to wait until she sets down to refuel.”

  “Nonsense.” Tash said and leaned over and opened a drop down door, positioned in front of the passenger seat. Inside was a speaking grill. She slid over and toggled several switches before leaning down and speaking into the grill. “Discretion, this is Mobil One, come in Discretion.”

  After a moment they were greeted with a crackling before a tinny voice said, “This is the Discretion…uh…D’Arcey ‘ere…receiving you…mobile one?”

  “Hello Mr. D’Arcey, this is Smythe-Harris. Please lower the winch lines. We are ready to come aboard.”

  The grill went crackle…crackle….crackle then, “oh! Madam! Immediately!”

  “Mr. D’Arcey, please have Mr. Nichols and Gopal meet us in the cargo bay.”

  “Oui Madam!”

  “Thank you Mr. D’Arcey.” Tash turned a smug smile on Jerard and Carstares. “Gentlemen, you do need to get back in the HLC. If you will observe they are lowering the lines and we need to move to be directly under the ship.”

  “Oh, right, of course.” Jerard mumbled as he climbed back into the machine. He turned to see Carstares baulking at the idea. “Colonel?” he said, trying desperately not to laugh.

  Carstares climbed back into the HLC, a lot slower than he exited moments before. He mumbled something that sounded like ‘for God and England’ but Jerard could not be sure and thought it best not to ask.

  The winching up went quite smoothly and Jerard marveled at the way the cargo door slid into place underneath the HLC. It was obviously designed from the start to be used in this way. He made a mental note to find the pair of, what he assumed were, small steam engines that powered the heavy door. He smiled at Lance Nichols who stood watching the operation. Nichols seemed to know what he was thinking.

  “Aye, Captain. It’s a marvel. One of many, its why we love this girl so much. Welcome aboard Sir, Miss Tash, Colonel.”

  Tash smiled and took Gopal’s hand. The Indian had come around to help her out as soon as the bay door clicked into place. “Thank you Mr. Nichols.” She turned to see Carstares still sitting in the HLC looking dubiously at the floor. “Its quite safe Colonel, as you can see both Gopal and I are standing on it.”

  Carstares made a harrumphing noise and climbed out of the HLC; his eyes were as wide and round as saucers. He put his hands out as if he were walking on a tightrope and actually swayed on his feet for a moment. Gopal extended his arm to help but Carstares must have realized how silly he looked and straightened up, dropping his arms and ignoring Gopal. “Now.” He said brusquely. “We’ve a lot to do. I suggest we go to the parlor on the second deck. The captain and I can fill you in and we can plan from there.”

  “I take it there was a problem as I don’t see the Doctor.” Nichols remarked dryly.

  “Quite right.” Jerard nodded. “How go the repairs? Or rather how soon can we get her safely back in the air?”

  Nichols frowned before answering. “Six maybe eight hours at the least, but that won’t get the number two engine flushed and fixed. But, as demonstrated, we can fly her if we take it easy. We’ve already picked up some lads from the factory and they are repairing the hull.” Nichols paused and looked at Tash before continuing. “We were not able to get any proper hull dope but the factory provided us with plenty of waterproofing. That’s the bit that will take the longest.”

  “Waterproofing? What sort of waterproofing? We need to get the hull sealed!”

  “True Captain and I can assure you it will be sealed, and a site better than the original maybe. Let me handle this one Captain. Now, as I was saying, we dropped off Paolo and Jon at the factory and they went for provisions; they’re to meet us here. Our Paolo, loves shopping foreign ports and so does Mr. Howell for that matter, no telling what they’ll come back with. But I am betting they won’t return for at least two more hours. As for the rest of the minor repairs they are currently underway. Mr. D’Arcey has been re-balancing the gas bags so we can fuel up. Mr. D’Arcey?”

  “Oui Sir, it is fini.”

  “Excellent.” Jerard said. “So you can be spared for a bit Mr. Nichols?”

  “Yes of course Captain. Uh…is it safe to assume that we will not be returning to Glasgow when we depart?”

  “I believe that is a safe assumption Sir. Come along then, we’re going to explain everything.” Jerard moved to the cargo bay door and opened it, motioning for the others to proceed.

  “You don’t seem very up-set.” Gopal whispered to Tash as they moved past Phillips.

  Jerard strained his ears to try to hear the woman’s reply, the same thing had occurred to him as well and quite frankly the fact made him a bit nervous. But he could not hear the reply nor move closer without cutting off the Colonel and Nichols so he watched the two of them whispering their way down the hallway to the stairwell.

  Arriving in the guest lounge Gopal settled Tash on the sofa and moved to stand behind her. Nichols settled himself on the other end of the sofa and Carstares dropped himself into one of the two arm chairs. Jerard turned to close the door and was startled to find that D’Arcey had followed them up. “Sir?”

  “Captain, I thought since the cook and ze steward were out that I might offer to bring up some refreshments?”

  “Oh, capital idea Sir! I know I could use some tea and no doubt the others as well. Thank you Mr. D’Arcey.”

  “Oui Captain, I shall return in a few moments.”

  Jerard closed the door. Damn, he thought, that man was spot on, I wonder if we’re paying him enough? Probably not, he surmised as he dropped into the other armchair, D’Arcey forgotten for the moment. Carstares had already produced his little notebook and was retelling the interview quite accurately in Jerard’s opinion. He watched Tash’s reaction, and for once, she sat completely motionless and silent as she listened. Jerard was again struck by her beauty. No beauty was not quite right, her features were actually quite plain. But her eyes sparkled and her full lips seems to be always pursed just so, as if waiting for a kiss….Good God Man! He mentally shook himself. This is your employer! Snap out of it! He commanded himself. While his traitorous brain replayed the scene where she leaned on the Norwegian’s arm and gazed up into his eyes. His blood boiled, his face flushed and his fists clenched as he jumped up and moved to the drinks cabinet.

  All conversation stopped and Jerard turned to find everyone staring at him. “Oh sorry.” He muttered. “Can I offer anyone else a nip? It’s been a deuced long day and I need a bit more than tea.”

  “I shall second that Captain.” Carstares returned.

  Gopal moved to stand beside Jerard and gently took the decanter out of his hand. “Please allow me Sir. I think you might want something a little better than this.”

  Jerard experienced a moment of panic as he looked into the Indian’s eyes. For all the world he could swear that the man knew exactly what he had been thinking. But the moment passed and it was just Gopal there being helpful and producing a bottle of twenty-five year old scotch. Jerard wordlessly held out the glass he did not remember picking up and sighed as exactly t
wo fingers were poured. He nodded without meeting the man’s eyes and returned to his seat, only vaguely aware of Carstares and Nichols being served.

  “Colonel, are you sure about that ship? The one who picked up our villains?” Tash asked.

  “Well, as sure as I can be madam. I don’t think this Caird fellow is quite the honest citizen but he had no reason to lie about seeing a Danish vessel.”

  “So then you have guessed, as well, as to the likely owner of the ship?”

  A soft knock at the door halted the conversation. Gopal moved to open it and admitted Mr. D’Arcey who was carrying a large tray loaded with sandwiches and tea things.

  “Oh Mr. D’Arcey! I could hug you!” Tash exclaimed. “I am simply starving. Goodness it’s long past tea time and I hardly noticed.”

  D’Arcey’s face turned quite red before he hurriedly replied. “Madam, if you will allow me to serve you, it will be thanks enough.”

  Tash smiled and turned back to Carstares. “Colonel?”

  “Oh, yes, tea, thank you.” He stammered as he downed the whiskey and hurriedly put the glass down.

  “No I meant the owner of the ship. You know it can be only one person.”

  “I fear you are correct madam. I believe we are speaking of the LensBaron Gyldenfeldt. He does, after all, seem to own everything in that part of the world.”

  Tash nodded and shivered. “An odious creature, so full of himself and his ridiculous dreams of ‘United Scandinavian States’. Which would not be so ridiculous if the other Scandinavian countries were in agreement with him.” Tash sighed. “But what could he have to do with all of this?”

  “Who is this Gyldenfeldt character?” Jerard interjected. “Are you saying that maybe the Germans are not behind this; do you think he is the one who kidnapped the Doctor?”

  “I doubt it.” Carstares said. “Gyldenfeldt is the ultimate mercenary for his cause. He hates Prussia with a passion, so actually working with the Germans is highly improbable. And as Miss Smythe-Harris pointed out, his only concern would be his agenda in uniting Scandinavia. How could the abduction of a scientist be of assistance to him?”