A faint smile crossed Zacynthus' lips. "Major Pitt is right. All docks and warehouses are closely watched by our Bureau and Customs, not to mention the County Harbor Patrols. No, whatever the method, it must be extremely clever. Clever enough to have worked smoothly and successfully all these years."

There was a long pause, then he went on quietly.

"Now at long last we have a definite lead. It's only a thread, but if it's attached to a rope and the rope is attached to a chain, then with a bit of good fortune von Till will be found at the other end."

"If you wish to pursue the major's supposition, it is vital that Darius inform our agents in Marseille." Zeno's tone was that of a man trying to convince himself of something that was not a positive fact.

"No, the less they know, the better." Zacynthus shook his head. "I want no action taken that might put a bug in von Till's ear. The Queen Artemisia and the heroin must reach Chicago without interference."

"Very sly." Pitt grinned. "Using von Till's cargo to attract the sharks."

"It's not difficult to guess." Zacynthus nodded. "Every big-time hood and every underworld organization engaged in illegal drug traffic will be on hand to greet that sub." He paused to take a puff on his pipe. "The Bureau of Narcotics will be more than happy to host the reception."

"Providing you can find the drop location," Pitt added.

"We'll find it," Zacynthus said confidently. "The Queen won't enter the Great Lakes for at least three weeks. That will give us time enough to search every pier, boatyard and yacht club that even touches the shoreline. Discreetly of course, no sense in blowing the whistle and losing all the players."

"That won't be easy."

"You underestimate the Bureau." Zacynthus acted hurt. "We happen to be experts at this sort of thing. To put your mind at ease, we won't attempt to pinpoint the exact location, only the general area. Radar will track the sub to its final destination. At the opportune moment we move in."

Pitt looked at him somberly. "You're taking a great deal for granted."

Zacynthus stared back. "I'm surprised at you, Major. It was you who gave us a direction. The first feasible direction, I might add, that INTERPOL and the Bureau have had in twenty years. Can it be you're beginning to doubt your own deductions?"

Pitt shook his head. "No, I'm certain I've guessed right about the submarine."

"Then what is your problem?"

"I think you're putting all your eggs in one basket by concentrating your main effort in Chicago."

"What better place to set a trap?"