Page 72 (1/2)

Once the rope had been removed, the chief deckhand stood aside to allow Carter to perfor ceremony, but he still pretended to need Grant’s assistance to force open the rusty old lock William could only wonder in what antiques shop Carter had co prop When the lid was finally lifted, there followed a moment of total silence, as everyone on deck stared down in disbelief at the 712 silver cob coins Only Carter knew the exact number

The ship’s company cheered as Grant picked up the casket and cradled it in his arms as if it were an only child who had been rescued from the sea He then walked slowly towards the private quarters, a s a pace behind

The captain announced to the crew that they would be returning to port immediately, but every deckhand would still receive a full week’s pay This elicited an even louder cheer

1054 GMT

‘Commander Hawksby’s office’

‘It’s Bruce Lah to the boss?’

‘He’s still in Italy, Bruce I’ him back until Monday’

‘Any hope of hi there?’

‘I beg your pardon, chief inspector?’

‘You never heard ela’

‘Can it wait until Monday?’

‘It will have to But, then, I’ around only to find that no one’s there’

1236 CET

Once the ship had docked, Williaed the casket down the gangway He was still clutching it as he cli car

Williaht, that he knew exactly what tih they had no way of co with each other Carter shook hands with the captain, the chief