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wrong.
But I tell you Slater was thumping the rail with impatience.
Later, Constance told him. You get back to the wheel, Mr. Slater.
Jupe, come and give us a hand.
Slater hesitated. But he knew Constance was in command. At least for
the present. Without her help he could never get that stuff off the sunken
boat. He nodded sullenly and relieved Jupe at the wheel.
Between them Jupe and Constance helped Pete on board. Still feeling a
little weak, Pete sat on the deck while Constance brought him a mug of hot
coffee and Jupe unfastened the straps and lifted the air tank off his back.
Okay. What happened? Constance asked. I could tell you were in
trouble, but I couldn t tell why. What did you feel? It couldn t have been
the pressure. You weren t deep enough. What was it?
I just couldn t breathe. Pete sipped the coffee. It tasted wonderful. I
couldn t get any air through the tube. I thought there must be a kink in it.
But there wasn t.
He described how everything had seemed to turn red and then dark red
and then black.
Carbon dioxide, Constance told him. You were breathing in carbon
dioxide instead of air.
She picked up the air tank and opened the valve. There was no hissing
sound.
No wonder you couldn t breathe, Constance said. The tank was
empty.
But we checked it out.
Jupe examined the pressure gauge. The indicator needle still pointed to
Full. He showed it to Constance.
Looks like someone jammed the gauge, he said. And then let all the
air out of the tank.
Constance agreed. It seemed the only explanation.
Where did this scuba equipment come from? Jupe asked her.
Ocean World. I brought it aboard myself last night. And it was all in
perfect condition then.
She walked over to Slater.
Pete s air tank was deliberately tampered with, she said accusingly. I
want to know
72
Danger in the Depths
You don t think I did it, do you? Slater turned angrily from the wheel.
All I want is to get the stuff off that wreck. I didn t touch your equipment
after you brought it on board. Why should I? You think I like all these stupid
delay-us? All I want . . .
He went on excitedly about what he wanted. They were right over the
sunken charter boat now. Those pocket calculators were in an airtight metal
case in the cabin. He had all that money tied up in them. Why couldn t
they get on with it and haul the stuff on board?
Jupe knew Slater was telling the truth about one thing. He had had no
possible reason to jam that pressure gauge. But somebody had.
Could anyone have come aboard the boat last night or early this morn-
ing, Mr. Slater? he asked.
No. Slater shook his head. The boat was moored at the marina, and
I slept on board. I never went ashore after Constance left.
Did you have any visitors?
No. Only my old friend, Paul Donner. He came down and had a drink
with me. But I can t believe Paul
How long have you known Paul Donner? Jupe cut in. Who is he?
What do you know about him?
Questions. All these idiot questions. Slater clutched at his gleaming
scalp. Never mind all that now. Let s get on with it, haul that case
Answer him. Constance was standing over Slater with her clenched
hands on her hips. You answer everything Jupe asks you. You answer it
right now, Mr. Slater. Because I m not going near that wreck until you do.
Okay, Slater gave in grudgingly. He had to give in. How long have I
known Paul Donner? Is that what you re asking?
Jupe nodded.
I met him in Europe a few years ago. We had some, well, some business
dealings there. And then I saw him again in Mexico.
When?
Several times.
The last time you were down there, Mr. Slater?
Jupe persisted.
Sure. I guess so. He was running a small printing business in La Paz.
And, well, we were old friends. I always saw him when I was there. What s
wrong with that?
Jupe was silent for a moment, thinking.
Anything else, Jupe? Constance prompted him.
No. No, that s all I wanted to know, Jupe said.
Good. Slater turned back to Constance. Then can we get on with it
now? he demanded.
73
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