Chapter Forty-Nine
Grimsdale’s plan – Gladys meets Dr Fairchild – an infernal device – Grimsdale’s hopes for Gladys
The mansion was a hive of activity. After the fomhuireán had been drawn from the water by means of a large electromagnet and a larger crane, the vessel had been hauled around to a vast dressed-stone platform at the building’s rear, where work began. Under Grimsdale’s watchful eye, mechanics and labourers, engineers and electricians all hurled themselves about. The propeller of the submersible had been removed and conical steel structures were being riveted to the guidance fins.
Observing this intently, her smooth round face glowing in the light of riveter’s fires, was Gladys Dunchurch.
“Goodness,” she squealed. “How do they do all that? They must be ever so clever.”
It w
