"There are no hunt clubs, at least not officially. We're simply a bunch of old friends trying to keep alive a dying old English custom."
"That's commendable. I've always felt sad that the English custom of public drawing and quartering went by the boards as well."
Gant chuckled. "We're both busy men, so let's not waste time on ancient history. What can I do for you?"
"Cancel your plans for a polar reversal."
"I'll humor you and pretend that I know what you're talking about, Mr. Austin. Why would I want to cancel this so-called reversal?"
"Because if you don't, you could be putting the entire world in jeopardy."
"How's that?"
"I don't know why you're interested in creating a shift of the magnetic poles. Maybe you're just getting bored with slaughtering innocent animals. But what you don't know is that a magnetic shift will trigger a geologic movement of the earth's crust. The impact will be catastrophic."
Gant stared at Austin for a moment. Then he laughed until his eyes brimmed with tears. "That's quite the science fiction plot, Mr. Austin. The end of the world?"
"Or close to it," Austin said in a voice that left no doubt as to his seriousness. "The ocean disturbances that sunk the Southern Belle and one of your own transmitter ships were minor harbingers of the damage to come. I was hoping you would see reason and halt your plans."
Gant's jovial expression disappeared, to be replaced by a sardonic smile and a raised eyebrow. Pinioning Austin in a level gaze, he said, "Here's what I see, Mr. Austin. I see someone who has concocted a tall tale for reasons that escape me."
"Then my warnings haven't made a dent in your plans." Aust
in's question came out as a statement.
The servant arrived with a pitcher and two glasses.
"I'm curious, Mr. Austin, what made you think I was involved in some bizarre plot?"
"I heard it from the Spider's mouth."
"Pardon?"
"Spider Barrett, the man who developed the polar shift mechanism."
"This Barrett person has been telling you tales as strange as his name."
"I don't think so. He and his partner, Margrave, are geniuses who have the money and talent to prove it. I'm not sure where you fit in."
"You can be sure of one thing, Austin. You made a mistake coming here."
"I was thinking the same thing." Austin picked up his cap and put it on his lap. "You're obviously not interested in anything I have to say. I'll be on my way. Thanks for the water."
He stood and plunked the cap on his head. Gant rose and said, "I'll have someone get your horse."
Oiled by large amounts of alcohol, the boisterous conversation on the patio was becoming even louder. Gant signaled a groom and told him to bring the Arabian to Austin, who pulled himself up on the saddle. Doyle saw him preparing to leave and came over. He held on to the reins as if he were helping.
"I can find my own way out, Mr. Gant. Thanks for your hospitality."
"You'll have to come back when you can spend more time."
"I'll do that."
He nudged the horse with his knees, and it shouldered Doyle out of the way. Doyle was a city boy, and the only horses he had been close to before coming to work for Gant were the ones ridden by Boston's mounted police. He released the reins and stepped back so he wouldn't be stepped on. Austin caught the fear in Doyle's face and he smiled. He flipped the reins and galloped away from the house.
Doyle watched Austin ride away. His features were as hard as granite. "Do you want me to take care of him?"
"Not here. Not now. Have someone follow him. I'd like to find out how he got onto the property."