Midnight Never Comes - Jack Higgins [31]
Chavasse examined the map and George, in the act of clearing the table, paused to point out the loch with a jab of his finger.
'The Black Loch, sir, and black it is, too. About a quarter of a mile wide. That's the island in the centre. There's an old castle there. Built in the fifteenth century by Angus McClaren. Apparently he was known as the Wolf of Moidart.'
'It's ruined, I suppose?'
'Only partially, sir. Myself, I believe he's got someone living out there.'
'I mentioned that in my report,' Craig said.
Chavasse nodded and glanced up at George. 'Why do you think that?'
'The rogue thought he'd have a try for a salmon one night,' Colonel Craig cut in and chuckled. 'With a gaff, you understand. Strictly illegal.'
'I saw a light in the ruins, sir,' George said. 'No doubt about it. And I've seen it since on two other occasions.'
Chavasse turned to Craig. 'What about you?'
Craig shook his head. 'It would certainly explain Donner's anxiety to keep outsiders away.'
Chavasse stood up, crossed to the fireplace and looked down into the flames, a frown on his face. 'But what could be out there, that's the thing?'
Craig shrugged. 'The end of the pipe-line. Perhaps that's where he keeps them before shipping them out.'
Chavasse looked up. 'You know about the latest one of course?'
'This fella Souvorin, the rocket expert?' Craig nodded. 'Yes, there isn't much Mallory hasn't told me.'
'Any sign of his arrival?'
Craig shook his head. 'Impossible to tell. The plane's flown in and out on three separate occasions during the past four days, but it lands on a field behind Glenmore House and it's impossible to get close enough to see anything. Another thing, that damned dog of his roams around the place at will.'
Chavasse nodded. 'It seems as if the island is the place to start, then. At least that was my immediate impression after reading your report.'
'And, just how do you propose to do that?'
'Simple enough with the right equipment. You did pick up my luggage at Lochailort?'
Duncan Craig nodded. 'I was intrigued by that damned great cabin trunk. What have you got in there, for God's sake?'
'Various bits of skin-diving equipment, an aqualung and a collapsible rubber boat.'
'Commando stuff, eh? An assault by night?'
'That's the general idea. But first, I think I'll put my head in the jaws of the tiger, just to see what happens. There's plenty of trout in Loch Dubh, I suppose?'
'Quarter pounders--or occasional pounders--not much else.'
'Good enough for my purpose. I'll borrow a rod if I may and give them a try after breakfast.'
'The Munros will prove unpleasant if they catch you, especially after your bout with Fergus. They don't take kindly to being beaten at anything.'
'Neither do I,' Chavasse said. 'At least I'll get a look at the island and there's nothing like stirring the pot a little. It'll suit me well enough to be dragged off to Glenmore House as a trespasser. I don't think Asta's going to like that. Donner's going to have to be very nice indeed to make up for the indignity. It might even clinch that dinner invitation you mentioned.'
Craig knocked the ashes from his pipe into the hearth and hesitated. 'What about the girl, by the way? You're sure she isn't mixed up in this?'
Chavasse nodded. 'It's like you said earlier, Colonel Craig. One develops an instinct for this sort of game. She's clean, I'll stake my life on it.'
'No need to sound quite so fervent,' the old man said, 'or is there? Ah well, I'll be able to see her for myself perhaps before very much longer.' He got to his feet. 'Well, I'm for bed, my boy. If you take my advice, you won't be far behind.'
'Ten minutes,' Chavasse said. 'I'm just going to have a last cigarette.'
The door closed behind the old man as he went out and Chavasse got to his feet, crossed to the french windows and drew the curtain.