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world …’
    â€˜You support the idea,’ the Chairman of the Maritime Trust put in, ‘but you’re not prepared to put your money where your mouth is – that right?’
    Wellington glanced at his Chairman, who said, ‘Moral support, yes; money, no. We’ve none to spare at the moment, as you well know, but we’ll help in any way we can if and when restoration is in progress.’ He looked across at Iris Sunderby with a lift of his eyebrows. ‘Perhaps Victor will let you have the floor now. And you, sir,’ he added, turning to Ward. ‘If the ship is there, and if it can be recovered, and presuming it really is the Andros …’ He gave a quick shrug, the smile back on his face. ‘A lot of ifs, I’m afraid.’ He stared at the man. ‘You’re serious, are you? About financing the search for the vessel, and its recovery if found?’ Then he added, speaking slowly, ‘Expeditions, my friend, do not come cheap. It’s a hell of a lot of money for one man to put up.’
    â€˜Ye doubtin’ Ah’ve got it? Is that it?’ Ward leaned forward across the table, his tone suddenly belligerent.
    â€˜No, of course not. That’s not what I want to talk to you about.’
    â€˜What then?’ He didn’t wait for an answer. ‘Look, just in case ye didn’t believe it, Ah brought these along to show ye.’ His left hand, delving into the breast pocket of his jacket, came out with a bundle of press-cuttings. He almost threw them across the table. ‘There ye are. There’s even a close-up of the cheque. Y’see what it says – one million tae hundred an’ thirty-six pounds, seventeen pence. But understan’ this: Ah’m only interested in the search, no’ in the restoration.’
    The Admiral nodded. ‘Of course. We understand that. And I’m sure, once we have a full appraisal of the ship’s condition, and what remains of the hull is berthed in a proper port so that an appeal can be launched, there will be no difficulty in raising the necessary money.’
    â€˜Mrs Sunderby has included a memo …’ Wellington’s voice trailed away as the Admiral’s grey eyes turned suddenly frosty.
    â€˜A memo is not the same, Victor. Mr Ward here needs to be assured that his commitment ends with the arrival of the ship’s remains in say Port Stanley or even Grytviken in South Georgia. Just as we need to be assured, before we lend our support to the project, that he has a proper idea of the cost. And the dangers,’ he added, turning back to Ward. ‘That’s what this meeting is all about. Now –’ and his eyes fastened on the Scotsman – ‘if I can put a few questions to you: as I understand it, or –’ and he glanced quickly down at a sheet of paper in front of him – ‘as you have given Mrs Sunderby to understand, you’re prepared to commit up to half of what you’ve apparently won on the pools to the search and recovery of this icebound ship, and apart from being consulted regarding type of vessel to be used in the search and the make-up of the crew, the only proviso you make is that, whatever the circumstances, you will be included in the search team. In other words, you’re buying into the expedition. Correct?’
    â€˜Aye, but ye’ve got to understan’ –’
    â€˜One moment.’ The Admiral held up his hand. ‘You have a handicap. And here I’m going to speak to you man-to-man as a naval officer. In fairness to the others, who will be risking their lives with you on the edge of the Ice Shelf in areas where the pack is continuous throughout the year, I think you should reconsider the condition you’ve made –’
    â€˜No!’ It exploded out of him, his body bending forward across the table, the left hand clenched so tight the muscles showed in knots and his eyes levelled at the