When he reached the fourteenth level he got out and pushed the recall signal for the skip and he was alone in the earth again. He walked up the tunnel and the echo of his footsteps went with him. He was sweating and a muscle in his cheek started to jerk; he reached the face and set the carbide lamp down on a ledge of rock. He checked to make sure his matches were in his pocket, then he blew out the lamp. The darkness came squeezing down on him.
The first half hour was the worst. Twice he had the matches in his hand ready to strike but he stopped himself.
The sweat formed cold wet patches under his arms and the darkness filled his open mouth and choked him. He had to fight for each lungful of air, suck in, hold it, breathe out. First he regulated his breathing and then slowly, slowly his mind came under control and he knew he had won. He waited another ten minutes breathing easily and sitting relaxed with his back against the side of the tunnel, then he lit the lamp. He was smiling as he went back to the lift station and signalled for the skip. When he reached the surface he stepped out and lit a cigar; he flicked the match into the square black opening of the shaft. So much for you, little hole.
He walked back towards the administration building.
What he could not know was that the Number Three shaft of the Candy Deep was to take something from him just as valuable as his courage and that, next time, what it took it would not give back. But that was many years ahead.
By October Xanadu was nearly finished. The three of them drove out to it as usual one Saturday afternoon.
'The builder is only six months behind schedule, now he says he'll be finished by Christmas and I haven't found the courage yet to ask him which Christmas, Sean remarked.
It's all the alterations Candy has thought up, Duff said. She's got the poor man so confused he doesn't know whether he's a boy or a girl. Well, if you'd consulted me in the first place it would have saved a lot of trouble, Candy told them.
The carriage turned in through the marble gates and they looked around them. Already the lawns were smooth and green and the jacaranda. trees lining the drive were shoulder high. I think it's going to live up to its name, that gardener's doing a good job, Sean spoke with satisfaction. Don't you call him a gardener to his face or we'll have a strike on our hands. He's a horticulturist, Duff smiled across at him. Talking about names, Candy interrupted, don't you think Xanadu is, well, a bit outlandish? No, I do not, Sean said. I picked it myself. I think it's a darn good name. It's not dignified, why don't we call it Fair Oaks? Firstly, because there isn't an oak tree within fifty miles and secondly because it's already called Xanadu. Don't get cross, it was just a suggestion. The builder met them at the top of the drive and they began the tour of the house. That took an hour, then they left the builder and went out into the garden. They found the gardener with a gang of natives near the north boundary.
How's it going, Joubert? Duff greeted him. Not bad, Mr Charleywood, but it takes time you know. You've done a damn fine job so far. It's kind of you to say so, sir. When are you going to start laying out my maze? The gardener looked surprised; he glanced at Candy, opened his mouth, closed it again and looked once more at Candy.
oh, I told Joubert not to worry about the maze. Why did you do that? I wanted a maze, ever since I visited Hampton Court as a child I've wanted my own Maze. They are silly things, Candy told him. They just take up a lot of space and they're not even nice to look at.
Sean thought Duff was going to argue, but he didn't.
They talked to the gardener a little longer, then they walked back across the lawns in front of the house towards the chapel. Dufford, I've left my parasol in the carriage, would you mind getting it for me? Candy asked.
When Duff was gone Candy took Sean's arm. It's going to be a lovely home. We're going to be very happy here. Have you two decided on a date yet? Sean asked.
We want the house finished first so we can move straight in. I think we'll make it some time in February next year. )
They reached the chapel and stopped in front of it. It's a sweet little church. Candy spoke dreamily. And such a nice idea of Dufford's, a special church of our own! Sean shuffled uncomfortably. Yes, he agreed, it's a very romantic idea. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Duff coming back with the parasol. Candy, it's none of my business. I don't know anything about marriage, but I know about training horses you break them to the halter before you put the saddle on their backs. I don't follow you. Candy looked puzzled. What are you trying to say? Nothing, just forget it. Here comes Duff. When they got back to the hotel there was a note at the reception desk for Sean. They went through into the main lounge and Candy went off to check the menu for dinner.
Sean opened the envelope and read the note:I should like to meet you and Mr Charleywood to discuss a matter of some importance. I will be at my hotel after dinner this evening and hope that it will be convenient for you to call on me then. N. Hradsky.
Sean passed the note across to Duff.
What do you suppose he wants? He has heard of your deadly skill as a Klabejas player.
He wants to take -lessons, Duff answered. Shall we go? Of course. You know I can't resist Norman's exhilarating company. It was a superb dinner. The crayfish, packed in ice, had come up from Capetown by express coach.
Candy, Sean and I are going across to see Hradsky.
We might be back a little late, Duff told her when they were finished. As long as it's Hradsky, Candy smiled at him. Don't get lost, I have my spies at the Opera House you know. Shall we take the carriage? Duff asked Sean, and Sean noticed that he hadn't laughed at Candy's joke. It's only two blocks, we might as well walk. They walked in silence. Sean felt his dinner settling down comfortably inside him, he belched softly and took another puff from his cigar. When they had almost reached the Grand National Hotel Duff spoke.
Sean... He stopped.
Yes? Sean prompted him.
About Candy... He stopped again.
She's a fine girl, Sean prompted again. Yes, she's a fine girl. Is that all you wanted to say? Well, oh!
never mind. Let's go and see what Saul and David want.
Max met them at the door of Hradsky's suite. Good evening, gentlemen, I am so pleased you could come. Hello, Max. Duff went past him to where Hradsky was standing in front of the fireplace. Norman, my dear fellow, how are you?
Hradsky nodded an acknowledgement and Duff took hold of the lapels of Hradsky's coat and adjusted them carefully; then he picked an imaginary piece of fluff off his shoulder. You have a way with clothes, Norman. Don't you agree that Norman has a way with clothes, Sean? I know of no one else who can put on a twenty-guinea suit and make it look like a half-filled-bag of oranges. He patted Hradsky's arm affectionately. Yes, thank you, I will have a drink. He went across to the liquor cabinet and poured one for himself. Now, what can you gentlemen do for me?
Max glanced at Hradsky and Hradsky nodded.
I'll will come to the point immediately, said Max.
Duff put his glass back on top of the cabinet and dropped his grin.
Sean sat down in one of the armchairs, his expression also serious; both of them could guess what was coming. In the past, continued Max, we have worked together on numerous occasions and we have both benefited from it. The next logical step, of course, is to combine our strength, pool our resources and go on together to new greatness. I take it that you are proposing a merger? Precisely, Mr Courtney, a merger of these two vast financial ventures. Sean leaned back in his chair and started to whistle softly. Duff picked up his glass again and took a sip.
Well, gentlemen, what are your feelings on the subject? asked Max. Have you got a proposal worked out, Max, something definite for us to think about! Yes, Mr Courtney, I have. Max went to the stinkwood desk which filled one corner of the room and picked up a sheaf of papers. He carried it across to Sean. Sean scanned through it. You've done quite a bit of work here, Max. It's going to take us a day or two to work out exactly what you are offering. I appreciate that, Mr Courtney. Take as long as you wish. We have worked for a month to draw up that scheme and I hope our labours have not been in vain. I think you will find our offer very generous.
Sean stood up.
We'll contact you again in the next few days, Max.
Shall we go, Duff ?
Duff finished his drink. Goodnight, Max, look after Norman. He's very precious to us, you know. They went to their building on Eloff Street. Sean let them in through one of the side doors, lit the lamps in his office and Duff pulled up an extra chair to the desk.
By two o'clock the following morning they understood the essentials of Hradsky's offer. Sean stood up and went to open one of the windows, for the room was thick with cigar smoke. He came back and flopped onto the couch, arranged a cushion behind his head and looked at Duff. Let's hear what you've got to say Duff tapped his teeth with a pencil while he arranged his words. Let's decide first if we want to join with him If he makes it worth our while, we do! Sean answered. I agree with you, but only if he makes it worth our while. Duff Laid back in his chair. Now the next point.
Tell me, laddie, what is the first thing that strikes you about this scheme of Norman's? We get nice-sounding titles and fat cash payments and Hradsky gets control,
