Inferno by Julian Stockwin Read Free Book Online

without claiming it – and it lay locked away on the premises ready to do its duty once more.
    So what was it to be? To walk away from a fortune, or allow the respectable Jacob Meares to join the venture with a proven apparatus for the salving of treasure?
    â€˜Ye said as how ye’d not be spare wi’ your advice, so now we’s askin’, Mr Paine,’ declared Stirk.
    â€˜Ah. I’m not sure how far I can help, as I’ve no knowledge of these, er, engines and such.’
    â€˜Ye can’t help, and wi’ all your sea service?’ Stirk burst out. ‘Who we goin’ to ask, then?’
    â€˜Steady on, Toby. Your Mr Paine’s only bin a lubbardly foremast hand, mate,’ Jeb said.
    â€˜Look, Mr Paine. You bein’ a gent an’ all, this Meares cove’ll steer small wi’ you. All we’re askin’ is that you comes t’ see the bastard and let ’im make his play, an’ keep an eye t’ weather and see if he’s flammin’ us, that’s all,’ Stirk begged.
    The others looked at him with imploring eyes and Kydd knew he couldn’t refuse. It was advice only that he would be giving, he told himself. ‘It’ll cost you a stout Tobermory whisky but I believe I’ll bear you a hand.’
    He pretended not to notice the chase of emotions on Stirk’s face.
    Lines were cast off and
Maid of Lorne
took up on the brisk south-westerly with an eagerness that pleased all hands.
    On the way they discussed strategy.
    â€˜Gentlemen. This will only work for you if Mr Meares can produce the apparatus. And for that, what assurance do we have that it’s the authentic article?’ Kydd pursed his lips. ‘For that matter, has anyone heard of this Wrackman? I haven’t.’
    â€˜He’s not askin’ for coin in hand, Mr Paine. Only a share.’
    If there was any sharp practice it was difficult to see what could be gained. ‘If he’s on shares then we’ve grounds to go forward.’
    â€˜
We?
’
    â€˜In the larger sense, Laddie,’ Kydd admonished, with a grin.

Chapter 15

    J acob Meares greeted them warmly, as though he’d been expecting a return of his visitors.
    After their counsellor had been introduced, he ushered the party into a back room, which was not large but private.
    â€˜You’ll understand, Mr Meares, my principals are anxious to establish the … practicality of what is being proposed.’
    â€˜Certainly, Mr Paine. May I enquire, have they acquaintance with the salvor’s art? No? Then it’s as well they’re in good hands. I myself—’
    â€˜They are most desirous at this stage to take sight of the diving engine, if this is at all possible.’
    â€˜By all means! I should state that it has been quite some years since the device saw salt water and it may be a little dusty, but do take it from me, it was the actual article that was used to—’
    â€˜Mr Meares. Have you any authority that can stand by your words?’
    He beamed. ‘But of course. I can appreciate your very understandable circumspection. Therefore I have for yourviewing newspaper cuttings of its successful use at the Isle of May – this very machine, sir!’
    â€˜We shall wish to inspect it closely.’
    â€˜Quite. Now, there are a number of matters that it would be meet to dispose of before we get to considerations of a more weighty nature. Shall I be candid? It goes without saying that your presence reveals your search for a diving bell has been in vain, so it crosses my mind that my diving engine is your only recourse. It is within my power to drive an infernal bargain that would embarrass your means, but I will not. All I wish is fair recompense. A fifty per centum of the proceeds. A not unjust claim, for without my engine you will have nothing. This, I venture, is a small request, but without its granting I say with all sorrow that my further