While the waiter was carving the chicken, Kahlenberg chatted agreeably, but both Gaye and Garry could see his mind was only half with them. He was obviously occupied with some business problem and wasn't giving them his entire attention.
The chicken was excellent as Kahlenberg had said it would be, and both of them expressed their appreciation.
Although the food was delicious, Gaye was relieved when the meal was over. She found she had to work hard to hold Kahlenberg's interest. She was used to mixing with difficult people, but she mentally decided Kahlenberg was the stickiest host she bad ever met. He was polite, but distant and she knew she had only half his attention. But she kept the conversation going, avoiding dangerous topics, asked questions about himself, discussed New York, Paris and London with him while Garry kept more or less silent, admiring her persistance.
As they were drinking coffee, Tak come out on to the terrace. He went up to Kahlenberg.
'Excuse me, sir, Mr. Vorster is on the telephone.'
Kahlenberg frowned.
'Oh, yes, I had forgotten. Tell him I will call back in five minutes.'
Tak bowed and went away.
'I must apologize, Miss Desmond, but I regret I will now have to leave you to your own devices. I have work to do. I doubt if we will meet again before you leave. I am sorry about the photographs. I hope you enjoyed your dinner.'
They got to their feet and both thanked him for his hospitality.
He looked at them with an odd expression in his eyes, nodded, then set his chair in motion and drove off the terrace, followed by Hindenburg.
Reaching his office, he found Tak waiting for him.
'Thank you, Tak, those two were beginning to bore me. Lovely looking woman, of course, but a play thing.' He manoeuvred himself behind his desk. 'They are being watched?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Good. And the other three?'
'The guide no longer exists. Fennel and Jones are on the balancing rock watching through field glasses. They have been in contact with Edwards by two-way radio. Their conversation was intercepted. Fennel is coming here on his own, leaving Jones where he is. Edwards thinks we suspect him and is taking precautions.'
'Very wise of him. All right, Tak, you can go to your bungalow. I have some work to do, but intend to retire at my usual time. The rest of the staff can go.'
Tak hesitated.
'Is it wise, sir?'
'The guards will be here and Hindenberg. Yes, it is all right.' Kahlenberg looked thoughtfully at Tak. 'It is much wiser that you don't have anything to do with this little affair. Good night.'
'Good night, sir,' and Tak went away.
Kahlenberg settled down to read a mass of papers that had come by the afternoon air delivery.
A little after half past ten, there came a soft tap on the door, Frowning, he called, 'Come in.'
Kemosa entered.
'What is it?'
'Zwide, one of the gardeners, master, is dead.'
Kahlenberg raised his eyebrows.
'Dead? How did it happen? An accident?'
'I do not know, master. He complained of a headache and pains in his muscles. As he is always complaining, no one took any notice. Later he said his throat was on fire. A few minutes later, he fell down and died.'
'Extraordinary thing. Well, bury him, Kemosa. I dare say his wife will be pleased. He is no loss.'
Kemosa eyed his master, then bowed.
'I will have it done, master,' and he went out, closing the door softly behind him.
