Part 64 (2/2)

”Briefly, this,” Peter explained. ”The first payment, when these s.h.i.+ps were laid down, was made not by Turkey but by an emissary of the German Government, who arranged the whole affair in Constantinople. The second payment was due ten months ago, and not a penny has been paid. Notice was given to the late government twice and absolutely ignored. According to the charter, therefore, these s.h.i.+ps reverted to the s.h.i.+pbuilding companies who retained possession of the first payment as indemnity against loss. The Count von Hern's position was this. He represents the German Government. You were to find a million and a half of money with the s.h.i.+ps as security. You also have a contract from the Count von Hern to take those s.h.i.+ps off your hands provided the interest on the loan became overdue, a state of affairs which I can a.s.sure you would have happened within the next twelve months. Practically, therefore, you were made use of as an independent financier to provide the money with which the Turkish Government, broadly speaking, have sold the s.h.i.+ps to Germany. You see, according to the charter of the s.h.i.+pbuilding company, these vessels cannot be sold to any foreign government without the consent of Downing Street. That is the reason why the affair had to be conducted in such a roundabout manner.”

”All this is beyond me,” Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge said, hoa.r.s.ely. ”I don't care a d-n who has the s.h.i.+ps in the end so long as I get my money!”

”But you would not get your money,” Peter pointed out, ”because there will be no s.h.i.+ps. I have had the shrewdest lawyers in the world at work upon the charter, and there is not the slightest doubt that these vessels are, or rather were, the entire property of Messrs. Shepherd & Hargreaves. To-day they belong to me. I have bought them and paid two hundred thousand pounds deposit. I can show you the receipt and all the papers.”

Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge, said only one word, but that word was profane.

”I am sorry, of course, that you have lost the business,” Peter concluded, ”but surely it's better than losing your money?”

Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge struck the table fiercely with his fist. There was a gray and unfamiliar look about his face.

”D-n it, the money's gone!” he declared, hoa.r.s.ely. ”They changed the day. Kosuth had to go back. I paid it twenty-four hours ago.”

Peter whistled softly.

”If only you had trusted me a little more!” he murmured. ”I tried to warn you.”

Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge s.n.a.t.c.hed up his hat.

”They don't leave till the two-twenty,” he shouted. ”We'll catch them at the Milan. If we don't, I'm ruined! By G.o.d, I'm ruined!”

They found Major Kosuth in the hall of the hotel. He was wearing a fur coat and was otherwise attired for traveling. His luggage was already being piled upon a cab. Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge wasted no words upon him.

”You and I have got to have a talk, right here and now,” he declared.

”Where's the Count?”

Major Kosuth frowned gloomily.

”I do not understand you,” he said, shortly. ”Our business is concluded and I am leaving by the two-twenty train.”

”You are doing nothing of the sort,” the American answered, standing before him, grim and threatening.

The Turk showed no sign of terror. He gripped his silver-headed cane firmly.

”I think,” he said, ”that there is no one here who will prevent me.”

Peter, who saw a fracas imminent, hastily intervened. ”If you will permit me for a moment,” he said, ”there is a little explanation I should perhaps make to Major Kosuth.”

The Turk took a step towards the door.

”I have no time to listen to explanations from you or any one,” he replied. ”My cab is waiting. I depart. If Mr. Heseltine-Wrigge is not satisfied with our transaction, I am sorry, but it is too late to alter anything.”

For a moment it seemed as though a struggle between the two men was inevitable. Already people were glancing at them curiously, for Mr.

Heseltine-Wrigge came of a primitive school, and he had no intention whatever of letting his man escape. Fortunately, at that moment Count von Hern came up and Peter at once appealed to him.

”Count,” he said, ”may I beg for your good offices? My friend, Mr.

Heseltine-Wrigge here, is determined to have a few words with Major Kosuth before he leaves. Surely this is not an unreasonable request when you consider the magnitude of the transaction which has taken place between them! Let me beg of you to persuade Major Kosuth to give us ten minutes. There is plenty of time for the train, and this is not the place for a brawl.”

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