Harrison nodded and made a note. What was the name of the man you quoted to Mr Peterson? How do you spell it?
Z-D-A-R-S-K-Y, Matthias Zdarsky. He was an Austrian and an early pioneer in snow studies. McGill hesitated. I have an anecdote which may have some bearing on what I quoted to Mr Peterson.
Proceed, said Harrison. As long at it does not take us too far from our purpose here.
I dont think it does. A couple of years ago I was in Western Canada as a technical adviser on avalanche protection. There was a cartographic draughtsman who had been given the job of drawing a map of the area showing all the sites of avalanche hazard. It was a long job but he had nearly finished when, one day when he got back from lunch he found that some joker had written in medieval lettering on each avalanche site the words Here be Tygers, just as on an old map.
He smiled slightly. The draughtsman didnt think much of it as a joke, but the boss of his department took the map, had it framed, and hung it on the wall of his office as a reminder to everyone about avalanche hazard. You see, everyone in the game knows about Matthias Zdarsky and what happened to him.
An interesting anecdote, said Harrison. And perfectly relevant. At the risk of wasting more time I would like to know what did happen to Zdarsky.
He was in the Austrian army during the First World War. At that time both sides Austrians and Italians were using avalanches as weapons in the Dolomites and the Tyrol. Its said that eighty thousand men died in avalanches during the war. In 1916 Zdarsky was going to the rescue of twenty-five Austrian soldiers who had been caught in an avalanche when he himself was caught in one. He was lucky enough to be rescued alive but thats about all you can say. He had eighty broken bones and dislocations, and it was eleven years before he could ski again.
The hall was hushed. Presently Harrison said, Thank you, Dr McGill. He looked up at the clock. I think we will now adjourn for the weekend. This hearing will recommence at ten in the morning on Monday. He tapped lightly with the gavel The hearing is now adjourned.
SIXTEEN
Next morning Ballard went to the hospital to visit Cameron. He tried to do this as often as possible to keep the old man company and cheer him up. It was a fact that Cameron now was an old man; his experience in the avalanche had almost killed both spirit and body. McGill said, Ill go to see him tomorrow. I have things to do at Deep Freeze Headquarters.
Ill be out that way this afternoon, said Ballard. Im picking up Stenning at Harewood. Want a lift back?
Thanks, said McGill. Ask for me in the office.
Ballard found Cameron out of bed but in a wheelchair with a blanket tucked around him in spite of the fact that it was a hot day. He was talking to Liz Peterson when Ballard walked into the room. Hi! said Liz. Ive just been telling Joe how Mike tried to freeze our blood when he gave evidence yesterday.
Yes, I think he made Harrison shiver a bit. Privately he thought it tactless to describe the sufferings of an avalanche victim such as Zdarsky to one who had himself been caught in an avalanche, and he wondered how much Liz had said. How are you feeling, Joe?
A bit better this morning. I could have stayed yesterday afternoon in spite of my damn fool doctor.
You do as he says, Ballard advised. What do you think, Liz?
I think Joe should do as he likes. Doctor doesnt always know best.
Cameron laughed. Oh, its good to have a pretty girl here especially when shes on my side. But you really shouldnt be here, Liz. He nodded towards the window. You should be out there, enjoying the sunshine. On a tennis court, maybe.
Ive got plenty of time for tennis, Joe, she said. The rest of my life. Are they looking after you well here?
Okay, I guess but its just like any other hospital. The food is terrible they have too many dieticians and too few cooks.
Well have something sent in, said Ballard. Wont we Liz?
She smiled. Im not bad at home cooking.
They stayed until Cameron sent them off, saying that young people must have something better to do than to sit around in hospitals. Outside, in the sunshine, Ballard said, Doing anything in particular, Liz?
Not really.
What about having lunch with me?
She hesitated fractionally, but said, Id like that.
Well go in my car. Ill bring you back on my way to the airport this afternoon. Im meeting someone.
Itll cost you lunch for two. Ill have to bring Victor. I cant leave him in my car.
Sure.
She laughed. Love me love my dog.
As Ballard started the engine of his car, he said, Did you mean what you said yesterday about leaving New Zealand?
Ive been thinking about it.
Where would you go?
England, I suppose at first anyway. Then perhaps America. Youve travelled around a bit, havent you? Ive always wanted to travel to see things.
He drove out of the hospital grounds. Yes, Ive been places, but theyve always been working trips. Ill tell you one thing I certainly never expected to come back to New Zealand.
Then why did you?
Ballard sighed. My grandfather wanted me to. He was a forceful old bird.
He was! I didnt know he was dead.
He died a few days ago.
Oh, Ian! I am sorry.
So am I, in a way. We didnt always see eye to eye, but Ill miss him. Now that hes gone I wont be staying with the Ballard group. In fact, Ive just about made that impossible.
Its like Mike says neither of us get on with our relatives. Liz laughed. I had a row with Charlie last night. Someone saw us in the restaurant yesterday and split to Charlie.
Dont get into trouble because of me, Liz.
Im tired of Charlies tantrums. Im a grown woman and Ill meet whoever I like. I told him so last night. She rubbed the side of her face reflectively.
Ballard glanced sideways and caught the action. He hit you?
Not for the first time, but its going to be the last. She saw the expression on Ballards face. Not to worry, Ian. I can defend myself. Im reckoned to be a pretty aggressive tennis player and those smash services develop the muscles.
So you hit him back. I doubt if that would make much of an impression on Charlie.
She grinned impishly. I happened to be holding a plateful of spaghetti at the time. When Ballard burst out laughing she added, Eric socked him, too. Were quite a happy family, we Petersons.
He turned the car into the hotel car park. As they walked into the foyer he said, The grubs not bad here; they serve quite a good lunch. But what about a drink first?
Something long and cold, she agreed.
Well have it by the pool, he said. This way. Suddenly he stiffened and halted in his stride.
Whats the matter?
The forces are rallying. Its Cousin Francis. Now where the devil did he spring from?
Something long and cold, she agreed.
Well have it by the pool, he said. This way. Suddenly he stiffened and halted in his stride.
Whats the matter?
The forces are rallying. Its Cousin Francis. Now where the devil did he spring from?
A youngish man in a business suit stepped in front of them. Morning, Ian, he said, abruptly and unsmilingly.
Good morning, Frank, said Ballard. Miss Peterson, this is my cousin, Frank Ballard.
Frank Ballard gave her a curt nod. I want to talk to you, Ian.
Sure. Were just going to have drinks by the pool. Join us.
Frank shook his head. In private.
All right. After lunch, then.
No, I havent the time. Im catching a plane back to Sydney almost immediately. Itll have to be now.
Dont mind me, said Liz. Ill wait for you by the pool. Come on, Victor. She walked away without waiting for an answer.
Frank said, What about your room?
All right. Ballard led the way. They walked in silence until they reached the room. As he closed the door Ballard said, What brings you from Australia, Frank?
Frank swung around. You bloody well know what brings me. Why the hell did you put old Crowell through the hoops the way you did yesterday? He was on the phone to me, crying on my shoulder long distance.
Ian smiled. Just trying to elicit a bit of truth.
There was no answering smile from Frank. Now look here, Ian. Youre getting the company into a right mess. A fine bloody managing director you are.
Arent you forgetting that Crowell suspended me from duty? Or is what youve just said an offer of the job back?
You flaming idiot! The suspension was only until the Inquiry was over. If youd have used your brains and kept quiet everything would have been all right, and youd be back in the saddle next week. As it is, Im not so sure. Youve been throwing so much mud at the company that Im not sure youre fit for the position.
Ian sat on the bed. If Id kept quiet Id be a dead duck, and you know it. Between the company and the Petersons I wouldnt stand a chance. Did you really think Id stand still and let you make a patsy out of me?
This is a Ballard company, said Frank furiously. We take care of our own. Have you no family feeling?
Youd take care of me like a fox takes care of a rabbit, snapped Ian.
If thats what you think, Im sorry. Franks finger shot out. When the inquiry starts again on Monday youd better keep quiet. No more appeals to the grandstand like those youve been making. If you promise to do that then maybe therell still be a job for you in the Group. I doubt if Ill be able to swing the managing directorship of Hukahoronui my old mans hopping mad but I still think I can guarantee some kind of job.
Thanks, said Ian ironically. But Im underwhelmed by your generosity. You know what I think of the Group Ive never made a secret of it.
For Christs sake! burst out Frank. You know how big we are. We just have to pass the word around and youll never get a job in mining again. Look, you dont even have to do anything just stop asking damn fool questions in public.
Ian stood up. Dont push me, Frank, he warned.
I havent even started yet. For Gods sake, be reasonable, Ian. Do you know how much the share price of the company has dropped since yesterday? All this adverse publicity is having an effect even in London. Were dropping money fast.
I bleed for you.
You know were going to float a new issue of Hukahoronui shares. What chance do you think well have if you continue to hold up the chairman of the board as a bloody fool?
The foolishness of Crowell is none of my doing hes a self-made idiot. Thats why you have him there because hell jump when hes told. You ought to be getting rid of Crowell, not me.
Youre impossible, said Frank disgustedly. Were not getting rid of you.
No, agreed Ian. Im leaving under my own power, and in my own way. I dont take easily to blackmail, Frank, and the way youre going youre likely to cook your own goose.
Frank looked up and said sharply, What do you mean?
Have you considered the composition of the Commission of Inquiry? Theres Harrison, the chairman, and his two assessors, both experts in their fields. Rolandson knows about snow, and French is from the Department of Mines. He hasnt said much yet.
So?
So any more pressure from you and Ill start asking questions about conditions in that mine, and by the time Im through French will write a report thatll curl your hair a report that the shareholders wont like at all. Then youll see something really happen to the share price.
Youre being really hard-nosed about this, arent you? Why, Ian?
Do you have to ask after what youve been doing? I dont like being manipulated, Frank. I dont like being pushed around. Im no Crowell. And another thing: the day before I was fired and lets give it the right name, Frank; none of this bull about suspension I saw the result of the latest assay. Rich pickings, Frank, my boy; very rich pickings. But can you tell me why those results havent been given to the shareholders?
Thats none of your bloody business.
It might be if I buy some shares. Not that I will, of course. That mine is going to make someone a fortune, but the way youll set it up I dont think the ordinary shareholders will see much of it.
Nobody will make anything if you get on your hind legs and start asking damn fool questions about avalanche defences, said Frank sourly. Good God, do you know how much it will cost us if this bloody Commission goes the wrong way?
Ian stared at him. What do you mean the wrong way? Were you thinking of not putting in avalanche defences?
Hell, theres only an avalanche every thirty years or so. By the time the next one comes the mine will be worked out.
Ian took a deep breath. You damned fool! That was when the trees were still on the west slope. Now theyre gone theres likely to be a fall in any period of heavy snow.
All right. Frank flapped his hand impatiently. Well re-afforest the slope. Thatll cost less than the snow rakes your friend McGill wants to have.
Frank, do you know how long it takes for a tree to grow? I thought you lot were bad enough but now I know the depth of your greed. Ballards voice was hard. And I suggest we bring this conversation to a sudden halt. He crossed to the door and threw it open.
Frank hesitated. Think again, Ian.
Ian jerked his head. Out!
Frank walked forward. Youll regret it.
Hows Uncle Steve?
Hes not going to like the answer I take back to Sydney.
He should have come himself and not sent a half-wit to do his dirty work. Hes too intelligent to think threats would have any effect hed have tried a bribe, if I know him. Tell him from me that that wouldnt have worked, either. Maybe youll be able to keep a whole skin that way.