Page 30 - Murder on the Dirigible

Murder on the Dirigible

GROSS: No. I have no previous meeting with him.

METCALF: (pulls out paper, studies it) Yes, I thought I’d seen
something like this. This is the agenda for the meeting Fisk was going
to attend in San Francisco. One of the items is “discuss Delag
lawsuit.” You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, Herr
Gross?

GROSS: (not listening) Yes, so many small engineering changes, but
design the same is still. Even this radio a bit different is. But the
problem can I see, Herr Kapitan: loose has a resistor come. So, back
it goes. There!

MATTHEWS: What! You mean you fixed the radio? Let me try it!
(pushes Metcalf aside and puts on headphones, twirls knobs)

METCALF: Did you hear me, Herr Gross? What do you have to do
with this Delag lawsuit?

GROSS: (stiffly) In such language will I not be addressed. (stands and
bows) To my seat will I now return. (does so)

METCALF: But, but, please, Herr Gross. Nuts! I almost got
something out of that guy. It’s all your fault, Matthews, for
interrupting him. Matthews? (taps him on shoulder)

MATTHEWS: (looks up, takes off headset) By God, he did it! The
signal is faint, but I can hear it! We can get back on course, now!

METCALF: Really? Hmm. Maybe you should keep that to yourself
for the time being, Captain. I might get further if the murderer thinks
we’re lost and about to crash.

MATTHEWS: But Gross knows. And there’s going to be panic back
there if the passengers give up hope.

METCALF: Aw, he won’t tell anyone, you can bet on that. He’s shut
up tight as a clam. What do you know about this legal business?

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