Throy Page 10

  “I said, all very well, but how did he propose to pay for it? His response took me by surprise. That problem was the least of his worries, said Julian, since additional funds from Sir Denzel, in the amount of one hundred or even one hundred and fifty thousand sols, was due at any moment.”

  Kathcar gave a caw of laughter. “I remember the situation very well. Dame Clytie had taken Sir Denzel aside and bullied him unmercifully, and insisted on the need for funds, and Sir Denzel, thinking only to escape, agreed to anything and everything. This was before I took him to see the gunships, of course. Dame Clytie thereupon sent Julian the glad news. Julian had good reason to believe that a transfer of funds was on its way.”

  “That explains his sense of financial amplitude,” said Overman Vambold.

  “Meanwhile, T. J. Weidler had not received the ten thousand-sol binder and time was in short supply, so Julian informed me; indeed, he had been able to secure only a thirty-day option upon the Fratzengale. He confided that he was also looking into another transaction of almost equal importance.

  “I asked, what kind of transaction? He told me that it was not yet firm, but it seemed most attractive. I asked how he would finance these transactions if Sir Denzel’s account remained without sufficient money? Julian said that a short-term loan from the bank might be the most practical solution.

  “And what security would he be offering on this rather substantial loan?

  “Julian became a trifle haughty, and stated that he had access to other resources, if need arose. I asked him to identify these resources, but he said the information was not presently germane, and went off in a huff.

  “I considered what he had told me and made certain investigations among the bank records, and learned a great deal which I thought germane. I discovered an LPF account almost twenty years old, which had been built up by slow increments to a present total of ninety-six thousand sols, also Dame Clytie Vergence had a personal account of thirty-one thousand sols, and an account in Julian’s name totaled eleven thousand sols. Julian was authorized to use any of the accounts. I began to toy with an idea which I was forced to discard as being blatantly unethical.

  “Three days ago Julian returned. His manner was confident and affable. For a few moments Julian spoke of the LPF, the movement in which both he and Sir Denzel were active, and of the difficulties his aunt Clytie Vergence was having with the Conservationists at Araminta Station, but I was certain this was not the reason for his visit. Indeed, there was something else on his mind. Along with the Fratzengale transport, he told me, the LPF urgently needed a small courier ship. At the Weidler yards, he had discovered a vessel exactly suited to their requirements, at a very fair price. It was a prime Fortunatus Nine space yacht priced at forty-three thousand sols, so that the Fratzengale and Fortunatus together could be had for only one hundred and eighteen

  thousand sols. It was a phenomenal bargain, and he could not let such an opportunity escape.

  “Julian’s enthusiasm was intense. The Fortunatus was a charmer! A jewel! Like new, at a most favorable price!

  “All very well, I told him, but, once again, how did he propose to pay for the vessels? Only nineteen thousand sols would remain to Sir Denzel’s account, after the down payment on the Fratzengale. He insisted that Sir Denzel’s transfer of funds was imminent; he had been assured of this by notification from Dame Clytie Vergence herself!

  “Nevertheless, if the money failed to materialize, the ten thousand sols would be lost.

  “Julian waved this idea aside as preposterous. What he wanted was a short-term loan from the bank which should enable him to buy the two vessels.

  “I told him that yes, the bank could properly make such a loan, on the understanding that both title and physical possession must reside with the bank until the loan had been amortized, and also that, for the bank’s protection, I would require a very substantial collateral.

  “Julian found these formalities irksome and tried to circumvent them. The two ships themselves should serve as adequate collateral, he argued. I pointed out that the Gaean Reach was broad, long and deep. For this reason spaceships were considered chancy collateral for bank loans.”

  Again Overman Vambold smiled his cool smile. “Julian drew himself up and became severe. He asked if I thought him the type of person to default on a debt. Yes indeed, I told him. I was a bank officer and trained to suspect everyone.

  “Julian went away, but returned the next day, in a state of anxiety. Dorcas Fallinch, at my suggestion, had advised him that other interests were preparing an offer for the Fortunatus. Julian told me that we must act quickly, and that it might not be wise to wait for Sir Denzel’s money.

  “That decision was his to make, I told him, but had he considered proper collateral?

  “Julian explained, rather glumly, that, if necessary, he could use the assets in other accounts for collateral.

  “In that case, I told him, he should consider using these assets to buy the ships. The idea had merit, said Julian, but he preferred to channel the funds through Sir Denzel’s account, for a number of reasons. I knew that the most important reason was that this was the only way he could use Sir Denzel’s money to buy his precious Fortunatus. I told him, the other accounts might well be nominated as collateral, though the process sometimes meant weeks of waiting for approval by a board of review. It was a system of deliberate intricacy intended to discourage speculators, financial high-wire artists and those who contrived inverted pyramid schemes. Julian became indignant. This was foolishly over-protective; after all, he could transfer the money from these accounts into Sir Denzel’s account in a matter of minutes. I told him that the decision was his to make; he needed only to issue instructions. Perhaps he might wish to take a few days or a week to think things over. No, said Julian; time was of the essence and he would act immediately. He would transfer money from the other accounts into Sir Denzel’s account, and move the money back again as soon as the new funds arrived. Just as he liked, I told him; at this very moment I would prepare the documents and he could transfer the entire accounts if he so chose.

  “Julian hesitated. He asked how much money would be needed?

  “I said that the money residual in Sir Denzel’s account must be used as a reserve against draughts which might be outstanding. Therefore, to the seventy-five thousand sols for the Fratzengale must be added forty-three thousand for the Fortunatus, which amounted to one hundred and eighteen thousand sols. Bank charges might bring the total higher, but one hundred and twenty thousand sols would probably be adequate.

  “Julian looked grim, but made no comment. He transferred ninety thousand sols from the LPF fund, twenty thousand from Dame Clytie Vergence and ten thousand from his own account.

  “Very good, I told him; I would put through the transaction with T. J. Weidler at once. Julian could return in a day or so and we would arrange the final details.

  “As soon as Julian left I telephoned Dorcas Fallinch. I asked for the ordinary price on the Fortunatus; he told me that sixty-five thousand sols was about right. And the Fratzengale? He would sell both for seventy thousand sols. On behalf of Sir Denzel Attabus I accepted his offer; the transaction was definite as of the instant.

  “Half an hour later a messenger arrived with documents, keys and codeboxes; this morning you found me in the process of transferring seventy thousand sols into the T. J. Weidler account, which will finalize the transaction, which I fear is not affected by Sir Denzel’s latest instruction. In short, Sir Denzel’s current assets include two space vessels, the original twenty-nine thousand sols and another fifty thousand sols derived from the funds supplied by Julian Bohost.”

  Glawen asked: “These funds are now frozen into Sir Denzel’s account?”

  Overman Vambold nodded, smiling his faint smile. “I might mention, on a purely personal note, that, as a Syndic of the Murmelian Institute, I share the views of Sir Denzel, who himself is a Ninth Phase Avatar of the Noble Way. This episode has redeemed my unwise participa
tion in the sale of the Straidor-Ferox gunships to Roby Mavil, when I should properly have applied to Sir Denzel for confirmation. The mistake has weighed heavily upon me; I rejoice that, to some extent, it has been nullified.”

  Chilke spoke thoughtfully: “Somewhere I’ve heard it said that among all the human varieties, the most relentless are the pacifists.”

  Glawen asked: “And Kathcar now controls Sir Denzel’s account?”

  Overman Vambold referred to the document which Kathcar had tendered him. “Sir Denzel’s language is explicit. Rufo Kathcar is granted full freedom of action in regard to the account.”

  “Which contains most of the LPF assets?”

  “Just so.”

  “Aha!” cried Chilke in exultation. “Can such happy things be real? It seems that Julian’s money has disappeared into the crevices of a time-warp.”

  Overman Vambold’s smile became wry. “I must use tact when I explain events to Julian.”

  “A bald statement of fact should suffice,” said Kathcar.

  “Julian must learn to accept the vicissitudes of life with a graceful philosophy.”

  “That is good advice, and I shall transmit it to Julian.”

  Kathcar nodded thoughtfully. “I too must cope with heavy new responsibilities. Still, I shall do my best, and make no complaint.”

  Glawen laughed. “We admire your fortitude, but the Conservancy’s interests come first.”

  Kathcar said coldly: “I will make a full analysis and in due course -”

  Glawen paid him no heed. “Sir Denzel’s account now contains seventy-nine thousand sols, a Fortunatus space yacht and the Fratzengale; am I right?”

  “Quite right,” said Overman Vambold.

  Glawen turned to Kathcar: “First, the Fortunatus. You may transfer Sir Denzel’s interest to Bureau B at Araminta Station, or to me personally. If you choose to make the vessel over to Bureau B, you may be sure that Bodwyn Wook will be highly gratified and will use it as often as he finds convenient.”

  “That must not be!”

  “Then put the title in my name.”

  “What?” cried Kathcar. “Never! This is all sheer bunkum! I share Sir Denzel’s creed, though I have not journeyed so far along the Way. Now I will find some quiet retreat and proceed with my studies, and perhaps I will also maintain a run or two of fine poultry. I intend to employ the funds in Sir Denzel’s account to noble purposes, and the betterment of Man!”

  Glawen spoke without heat. “Do not struggle, or wrangle, or argue. It will be time wasted. Sir Denzel may be an idealist; he has also financed criminal sedition and his estate no doubt will be confiscated. Your own position is ambiguous, to say the least. If Bodwyn Wook connects you with the gunships, he will take your case to heart.”

  Kathcar cried out: “I was under dire constraints, as you know! All my life I have battled Destiny! Always my good intentions have been thwarted and turned against me!”

  “Not now! Your good intentions are free as birds! So put aside your golden fantasies and start signing papers.”

  Kathcar said hollowly: “When I first saw you on the Wanderling, I told myself: ‘There goes bad news.’”

  “Let us get this affair over with,” said Glawen. “First, the Fortunatus, which Chilke and I will find useful in our work.”

  Kathcar threw up his arms in a wild gesture and turned to Overman Vambold. “Transfer the Fortunatus and the Fratzengale to Glawen Clattuc, Araminta station, Cadwal. I must submit to this pitiless martinet.”

  Overman Vambold shrugged. “As you wish.”

  “Next,” said Glawen, “pay over to Kathcar twenty thousand sols, which he probably does not deserve.”

  Kathcar gave a poignant cry. “Twenty thousand? I was expecting considerably more!”

  “Twenty thousand was the amount you mentioned to Bodwyn Wook.”

  “That was before I risked my life!”

  “Very well, then. Twenty-five thousand sols it is.”

  Overman Vambold made a note. “And the balance?”

  “Put whatever is left into the Floreste-Clattuc account, here at the Bank of Soumjiana.”

  Overman Vambold looked to Kathcar: “Are these your instructions?”

  “Yes,” growled Kathcar. “As always my hopes and plans have been dashed.”

  “Very well!” Overman Vambold rose to his feet. “If you will return in, let us say three days -”

  Glawen stared in shock. “Three days! we want the business done now, at this instant.”

  Overman Vambold gave his head a curt shake. “At the Bank of Soumjiana we work at a prudent pace. we cannot risk mistakes, since our apologies are never heeded. Your proposals have darted around the room like frightened birds, which is all very well, since you bear not a puff of responsibility. I, on the other hand, must discharge my duties with caution. I feel impelled to make an orderly evaluation and inquire into your reputation.”

  “My requests are legal?”

  “Of course. I would not consider them otherwise.”

  “So much for the evaluation. As for my reputation, I refer you to Alvary Irling at the Bank of Mircea, here in Soumjiana.”

  “Excuse me a moment; I will call in private from my side-chamber.” Overman Vambold left the room. Glawen turned to Kathcar and Chilke. “It is most important that we clean out the account before news arrives of Sir Denzel’s death; otherwise Julian might be able to recover the LPF account. Hence the haste.”

  Overman Vambold returned to his desk, his manner subdued and thoughtful. “Alvary Irling has given you a good reputation and suggests that I cooperate with you to my best ability. Therefore, I will do so. Twenty-five thousand sols to Rufo Kathcar; the Fortunatus and the Fratzengale to yourself and the balance, roughly fifty-four thousand sols, into the Floreste-Clattuc account. “

  “That is correct.”

  “I will have the funds and the transfer documents brought here. It will only be a moment.”

  A buzzer called Overman Vambold to the telephone. Looking across the desk Glawen saw the face of Julian

  Bohost on the screen. “I am here at the bank,” came Julian’s voice. “Shall I come to your office? I assume that all is in order.”

  Glawen attracted Overman Vambold’s attention. “Tell him to come back in two hours, after lunch.”

  Overman Vambold nodded. Julian spoke: “Is everything ready for me?”

  Overman Vambold used his most colorless voice. “I am sorry, Mr. Bohost, I have been extremely busy, and I have not yet been able to process the papers.”

  “What! Time is of the essence and I am dangling on tenterhooks!”

  “There has been a hitch in the proceedings which I have not yet been able to resolve and the functionary in charge has gone out for lunch.”

  “This is outrageous!” stormed Julian. “I resent this inefficiency!”

  “Mr. Bohost, if you will meet me here in two hours I will have definite news for you, one way or the other.”

  “What do you mean by that?” cried Julian. “This is intolerable!”

  “In two hours, then,” said Overman Vambold. The screen went dead.

  Overman Vambold gave his head a shake of distaste. “I do not like being put into a false position.”

  “You need waste no pity on Julian, who was doing his best to swindle Sir Denzel, who himself was flouting the laws of the Conservancy, and encouraging acts which could only lead to bloodshed. His conduct has not been altogether innocent, Ninth Phase or not.”

  “Possibly so.” Overman Vambold lost interest in the discussion.

  Three packets fell into a delivery slot. Overman Vambold gave one to Kathcar. “Twenty-five thousand sols.”

  Another went to Glawen. “Documents, key and codebox for the Fortunatus and the Fratzengale.” From the third envelope he withdrew a paper. “Sign here,” he told Glawen. “It is the receipt for the transfer of money into your account.”

  “Confidential, I hope?”

  “Completely so. Our busines
s is now concluded, since Sir Denzel’s account has run dry.”

  “One final matter,” said Glawen. “Are you acquainted with the name Lewyn Barduys?”

  Overman Vambold frowned. “I believe he is a magnate of some kind. Construction, perhaps.”

  “Does he maintain an office in Soumjiana?”

  Overman Vambold spoke into his telephone. A voice said, “L-B Construction is represented in Soumjiana by Kantolith Construction.”

  “Call Kantolith, if you will, and ask the present whereabouts of Lewyn Barduys.”

  Overman Vambold made the call and was told that Lewyn Barduys was not on hand, and that no one knew his whereabouts. “The sector office is at Zaster on Yaphet, by Gilbert’s Green Star; they will surely have his present location.”

  The three left the office, Overman Vambold dismissing them with a bow of urbane courtesy.

  Departing the bank by the front entrance, they stepped out upon the plaza, now crowded with Soumi moving about their business with that deliberate ponderous gait, almost a strut, head high, shoulders thrown back, which so often caught the attention of visitors.

  Kathcar, fretful over lost opportunities, had forgotten the fear which had oppressed him previously. Without demur or reproach he accompanied Glawen and Chilke to an open-air café, where they seated themselves at a table. A buxom waitress brought a platter of grilled sausages, bread and beer.

  Glawen told Kathcar: “The time has come for us to part company. I suppose you have definite plans in mind?”

  Kathcar gave a rather forlorn shrug. “The episode has been played out, and now I am thrust aside.”

  Chilke grinned. “You have your money; you’ve done Julian one in the eye; what more do you want?”

  “I still am dissatisfied. I thought I would go to my connections at Foucher on Canopus IX and raise fine poultry - but the prospect no longer holds appeal.”