The White Witch of the South Seas gs-11

by Dennis Wheatley

  `That is only partially true. We went there to remonstrate with him, but with no thought at all of doing him an injury. By the by, I have not yet heard what injuries he did sustain.'

  `You were very lucky, for his neck might well have been broken. As it was his fall was slightly checked by his crashing through the branches of an oleander bush before he hit the ground. He broke an arm and two ribs, and hit his head on a stone, which rendered him unconscious. After a fortnight in hospital he was over the worst, then he stayed on here convalescing until about ten days ago.'

  `I see. And did his wife, the Senhora Olinda, make any statement?

  'No. Had you and the Ratu been caught, she would naturally have been called as a witness at your trial. But as you had both escaped, there seemed no point in bringing her into the matter.

  `Well, she is the key to the whole business. Having reproached de Carvalho for double crossing us, we disclosed to her that her husband was a crook. She took our part and abused him, then he lost his temper and smacked her face. It so happens that young James is desperately in love with her. As you can well imagine, he saw red. Before I had a chance to stop him he had picked up de Carvalho and chucked him over the balcony.'

  `Do you swear to the truth of this

  'Yes, and the Ratu will, of course, take full blame for his act.'

  `In view of the grudge you both held against de Carvalho, the court may not believe you. They may also take the view that the Ratu, knowing that he will be found guilty in any case, stands to lose nothing by protecting you and taking the whole blame upon himself.'

  'Mon cher General,' Gregory spread out his hands, `I pray you, consider the matter in the light of your knowledge of me. Had I decided to beat up someone against whom I had a grudge, let alone murder him, am I the sort of man who would go about it in such a fashion? Having, by the exercise of extreme caution, come through innumerable dangerous situations during six years of war, is it likely that I should revenge myself on an enemy in such a way that I could not possibly escape having the crime laid at the feet of myself and my friend?

  'No; you have something there… Of course such an idea is absurd.'

  `Besides, if need be I shall demand to be let out on bail until the Senhora Olinda can be found and brought back here, or a sworn statement taken from her. As a key witness for the defence, the court could not refuse to secure her testimony, and I have no doubt at all that she will exonerate me.'

  Ribaud nodded. `You are right. But it may not be necessary. If I go into court myself and give evidence that, in view of my personal knowledge of your past, it is inconceivable to me that you would have committed such a clumsy crime, I don't doubt that it will be accepted.'

  Gregory gave a little bow. `That is most kind and I should be deeply grateful to you.'

  `Not at all. I think, then, we may regard you as good as cleared. But there remains the Ratu. After what you have told me I am sorry for the young man, but even your ingenuity will, I fear, prove insufficient to save him from a heavy prison sentence.'

  For a moment Gregory was silent, then he said, `Mon General, you will recall that in the note I sent you I mentioned that, during our absence from Noumea, James and I had chanced upon certain information of value that I wished to discuss with you.'

  Ribaud's arched eyebrows lifted, wrinkling his forehead.

  `I took that only as a pretext to secure this private conversation with me.'

  `By no means. I have not yet disclosed to anyone the name of the island on which the launch was wrecked it was Yuloga.'

  In the silence that followed one could have heard a pin drop. The General remained poker faced, but a hard note

  189

  had crept into his voice when, at length, he said, `I see. Well, what of it? `

  `Only that previously I had been under the impression that it belonged to France.'

  `It does it is a dependency of New Caledonia, and comes under my jurisdiction.'

  `How strange, then, that it should now be garrisoned by Russian troops.'

  The General frowned. `In that you are mistaken. There are, of course, a number of Russians there technicians who, under an agreement made by General de Gaulle in Moscow, are assisting us with the development of our nuclear weapons:

  Gregory shook his head. 'Mon cher General, it is clear to me that you have been misinformed. Ratu James and myself spent two months illegally detained as prisoners on the island. The story of how we, with two Australians and two Melanesian natives, succeeded in escaping is quite an entertaining one. I must tell it to you some time, over a good dinner. But preparing our escape took many nights. During that time we explored a good part of the island. We discovered that the native population had been evacuated no doubt for security reasons that there were at the least a thousand Russian troops stationed there and er I did see one French Captain. Most interesting of all, one night I looked down into a valley where several I.C.B.M.s had already been set up, ready for launching and they were guarded by Russian sentries.'

  Ribaud's frown had become a threatening scowl as he demanded, `What are you trying to tell me?'

  `Only that I have formed the impression that, in exchange for valuable information about the construction of nuclear weapons, General de Gaulle has, in effect, made over the island of Yuloga to the Russians, so the Soviet Union now has a base of incalculable value in the South Pacific.'

  `That is not so,' the General declared stoutly. `You can have seen only a part of the island. I have ample troops there and it is still under French control. General de Gaulle would never surrender French territory to a foreign Power, and the warheads to those rockets are in French hands.'

  Matters were not going quite as Gregory had hoped. His private belief was that Ribaud was lying, but he replied suavely, `Naturally, mon ami, I accept your word for that, but you must forgive me if I incline to doubt whether others would do so.'

  `You intend to inform others, then, of what you saw while on Yuloga?'

  `I admit to having considered doing so'

  `Such a disclosure, if wrongly interpreted, could prove highly embarrassing to France. I may feel it my duty to take certain steps.' '

  `I appreciate that. But however high you rate the security of this tie up with the Russians, I hardly think you would go to the length of having me shot.'

  `No; no! God forbid! But` as you have obtained knowledge of a military secret of the first importance, I could treat you as a spy and have you clapped into a fortress,'

  `You could,' Gregory smiled, `but for how long could you keep me there? You know well that I make no idle boast when I say that I have escaped from captivity a dozen times. If you did put me to such inconvenience you may be certain that I would blow the gaff immediately I got out Where as…'

  `Whereas what?'

  `Well, I have given much thought to the situation Were I in the employ of the British Government it would obvious be my duty to report what I know. But, as a private citizen, it is a matter between myself and my conscience. Having weighed the pros and cons, I have come to the conclusion that the Russians possessing a base in the South Pacific or perhaps I should say being established in one with intercontinental ballistic missiles, is no danger to Britain. of they wished they could menace Britain from much nearer home:;. Of course, it brings them within easy range of Australia and New Zealand; but Australia has her own rocket range, so could give as good or probably better than she got. However, the salient point is that there is little likelihood of the Soviet Union and the British Commonwealth going to war in the foreseeable future.'

  `I concur in that,' said the General, looking slightly less antagonistic. `And, that being the case, the information you have obtained would not cause great resentment in London.'

  `No, probably not. But it would in Washington. The Americans still regard Russia as very much a potential enemy. At the idea of France's having given the Russians a rocket base I am sorry, I meant receiving visiting troops in the South Pacific, the roof would blow straig
ht off the White House. And the United States being Britain’s ally, I have to consider whether I can really justify keeping this information to myself.'

  Ribaud glared, then grunted. `What's your price?'

  ' Cher ami!' Gregory raised his eyebrows in pretended surprise. `I fail to understand you. We are simply discussing the dictates of my conscience. As I was about to say, when I had the pleasure of dining with you some nine weeks ago I expressed the opinion that the Power really to be dreaded by the Western world was China, and that our only hope of definitely containing this huge and dangerous Asiatic people lay in an alliance between the United States, Europe and the Soviet Union.

  `Should this come about and a war with China be forced on the Western Allies, what could be more fortunate than that the Soviet Union should not only have rocket bases in Manchuria, to the north of China, but also to the south in the Southern Pacific. In the past the State Department in Washington has not distinguished itself by its foresight. Clinging to the doctrines of the French Revolution, which were so acceptable in the United States when they were born, they are still obsessed by the idea that every people is entitled to self rule. So blind are they that men like Foster Dulles did their utmost to undermine the power of their most reliable ally, the British Empire. During the years following the war Britain, financially, stood naked in the breeze. Without the support of the almighty dollar we could not have carried on. Dulles, and others of his kind, used that to force us to give independence to many of our subject peoples who were totally incapable of governing themselves. Only now, when it is too late, are they regretting their stupidity. Since the Americans were incapable of foreseeing that their policy would lead to the loss of a million lives in India alone, and to anarchy, or the setting up of police States, in Africa, I cannot believe that they will appreciate the possible long term value of the Russians being given facilities in the South Pacific. But you and I, mon ami, come of older nations more experienced in states craft. It is on these_ grounds that I have decided that it would be a great mistake to let the Americans know anything about what goes on in Yuloga.'

  Ribaud mopped his forehead with a handkerchief. `I follow your reasoning, and it is sound, but I'm damned if I know what you are driving at.!

  'Surely it is obvious that, having squared matters with my conscience, my wish is to assist you in maintaining security concerning this operation?'

  `I appreciate that. And by agreeing not to disseminate this information you take a great load off my shoulders. I am most grateful to you.'

  'Ah.' Gregory gave a sigh. `But, alas, the matter does not end there. I was only one of six people who were imprisoned on Yuloga and escaped from there.'

  Again anxiety showed in Ribaud's eyes. 'You mean those two Australian may give everything away?'

  `Not everything. They will no doubt tell their friends that there are Russian troops on Yuloga and that they were held prisoner by them, but they did not see the I.C.B.M.s and they have no idea that the Russians have set up rockets there which could be blasted off at any moment. That is the really important thing. And, of course, the same applies to the two Melanesians. However, there remains James. After all, he is my friend and was my trusted companion throughout this unhappy experience. You can hardly blame me for having told him everything that I discovered during my midnight explorations.'

  `Can you persuade him to keep his mouth shut?.'

  Gregory shrugged. `It is not a question of whether I can or can't. When he is brought to trial, our having stolen the launch and what happened to us afterwards is bound to emerge. He will be under oath to tell the truth. You cannot expect me to ask him to perjure himself. I hope that I have made plain the situation.'

  'Mon Dieu, you have!' Ribaud snarled. `You damn' clever devil! Now we know where we are. You have come here to blackmail me. If the Ratu is sent for trial, security is to be blown wide open. We'll have those damn' Yanks creating hell, and it may lead to an international incident:

  `Now, now, mon vieux,' Gregory laughed, `do not be so irate about it. I am only doing my best to protect my friend, and you would do the same in similar circumstances. The Brazilian deserved all he got and was lucky to get off so lightly. To imprison the Ratu for several years can do France no earthly good. To bring him to trial could result in God knows what trouble; as a small incident in which you would probably lose your job for having failed to see the wisdom of blanketing the whole business.'

  `What, then, do you suggest?'

  That you should send for your Chief of Police, tell him that this is a matter of high policy, have him arrange that James and I should escape, then have us flown to the island of Tujoa.'

  Suddenly Ribaud's attitude changed and he smiled. `You old villain. You have got the better of me. But your reasoning is sound. On the greater issue it is the best course to pursue. Very well, it shall be done.'

  Gregory smiled back. `Thanks. And I am sure you will admit one thing. I have made no attempt to bribe you.'

  `No. And I am glad you did not, for I would have greatly resented it.'

  `I thought as much. But now that we have settled matters I should like to ask you a favour.'

  `What is it?'

  `When we dined together you told me that you were due to retire next year. And I gather that you are not very well off. I, on the other hand, am very rich. I would like to have the address of your bank in Paris, so that I may pay into it a sum equal to that which I shall have to pay Serieu for his

  launch. It would at least buy you a magnificent automobile.

  This, you understand, is just a friendly gesture from one ancien de la guerre to another.'

  Ribaud beamed. `Mon vieux, mon vieux, this is true generosity. If you wish it, you and the Ratu shall have an aircraft apiece in which to be flown out.'

  'Thanks,' Gregory waved a hand in cheerful protest, `but one will be enough. What I do need, though, is a good lawyer to negotiate a settlement with Monsieur Serieu for the loss of his launch, and to arrange compensation for the waiter. I have ample funds in the United States, but I shall need my cheque book on that account.'

  `The police will have taken charge of all the items that you and the young Ratu left in your hotels, so at the proper time the cheque book can be given to you. For the other things you will have to wait, since we must proceed with great caution in this matter. Even Governors General cannot obstruct the course of justice with impunity and your escape will be by no means easy to arrange.'

  `That I appreciate, and if it will make things easier for you the Ratu and I must put up with spending a week or two in prison.'

  No, a day or two should suffice. Tomorrow you will be brought before a magistrate. You will, of course, reserve your defence. I will instruct my lawyer, Maitre Dufour, to appear for you. Afterwards you will ask him to visit you in your cell and brief him about Serieu and the waiter. Then somehow we must get you out as soon as possible; otherwise there would be a risk of your being brought to trial, and that must be avoided at all costs.'

  Do You think that our escape will cause a great stir?'

  It would if de Carvalho were still here. He would be certain to raise a stink, but fortunately he will not learn for weeks, if ever, that you returned here and were arrested. Luckily, I can trust our Chef de Police and my Commandant de L'Air to co operate with me when I have explained that this must be done to avoid an international incident. But subordinates will be needed, and I can only pray that they will choose their men wisely. Should one of them betray us, we shall all be in the soup.'

  'I appreciate the risk you are running for us,' Gregory said gravely, `but there is one way in which I can show my gratitude. Should we be betrayed and the escape fail, there will then be no avoiding the Ratu's being brought to trial. On his behalf I give you my word that if there is a trial neither of us will mention that we know there to be I.C.B.Ms under Russian control on Yuloga.'

  Ribaud nodded. `That is generous of you. And now, much as I should like to offer you a glass of wine, I must r
efrain. It would not do for your escort waiting in the corridor to get the idea that we have been fraternising.'

  `I agree. Now that we have settled everything, it remains only for you to give me the address of your bank in Paris, then I am ready to be taken back to prison.'

  The General gave it then, as Gregory repeated it three times, stood up. The two old friends shook hands. Ribaud sat down again and struck a bell on his desk. When the escort entered the room he gruffly dismissed the prisoner and half an hour later Gregory was back in his cell.

  On the Wednesday morning he and James were brought before a magistrate. They had not seen one another since they had been charged, and the young Ratu looked greatly depressed; but Gregory found a chance to whisper to him:

  `These proceedings will be only a formality. Plead not guilty and say nothing else whatever. You must refuse to talk, too, should a Juge d'Instruction visit you later in your cell to prepare a case for the Prosecution. Leave everything to me and don't worry too much. I think I have found a way to get you off.'

  James gave him a grateful glance and followed his instructions. At the court they were met by Maitre Dufour. The avocat was a tall, grey haired man wearing old fashioned pince nez. In a private room Gregory gave him particulars of the situation; then offered him a handsome fee to take their case, and he smilingly agreed. The proceedings in court took only a few minutes; after which the prisoners were taken back to Police Headquarters. That afternoon Gregory was led from his cell to a sparsely furnished room in which

  Maitre Dufour was waiting to interview him. With him, the lawyer brought Gregory's cheque book.

  Having dealt with the claims of Serieu and the waiter, Gregory said that James would ask for the case to be treated as a crime passionel. Dufour then said he would like to have James' own account of the affair, but Gregory fobbed him off by saying that it would be preferable to leave that for a few days until the Ratu was in better shape, as, at the moment, the thought of his impending fate had caused his mind to become temporarily disturbed.