the problem has something to do with a nearby fish farm, but so far there is no discernible link between the two."

Austin had been eyeing the mutton, wondering where he could get a burger, but his ears perked up at the professor's words. “Did you say you were testing the water near a fish farm?”

“Yes. There are several aquaculture facilities in the islands that produce trout, salmon and the like. I collected samples from the wa- ters around a farming operation in Skaalshavn, a few hours' drive up the coast from Torshavn on Sundini, the long sound that separates Streymoy from the island ofEysturoy. Used to be a whaling station there in the old days. The farm is owned by a big fisheries conglom- erate.”

Austin took a long shot. “Oceanus?”

“Yes, you've heard of it?” “Only recently. As I understand what you're saying, Professor, the fish levels near this farm are lower than they should be.”

“That's right,” Jorgensen replied with furrowed brow. “A real puzzle.”

“I've heard fish farms can be harmful to the environment,” Austin said, recalling his conversation with Therri Weld.

“True. The waste products from a fish farm can be toxic. They feed the fish a special chemical diet so they'll grow faster, but Oceanus claims it has a state-of-the-art water purification system. So far I haven't found any evidence to dispute that claim.”

“Have you visited this fish farm?”

Jorgensen bared his big teeth in a grin. “No visitors allowed. They've got the placed locked up tighter than the crown jewels. I managed to speak off-premises with someone from the law firm that represents the company in Denmark. He assured me that no chem- icals were used at the farm and that it has the finest in water-cleaning facilities. Always the skeptical scientist, I rented a little house not far from the Oceanus operation and went as close as I could by boat to take the water samples. As I said, I'm leaving for Copenhagen to- morrow, but you and your young lady friend are welcome to go up to the cottage. It's a pretty ride.”

“Thanks, Professor. Unfortunately, Ms. Weld will be busy the next few days.”

“That is unfortunate.” Austin nodded absentmindedly. He was intrigued by Jorgensen's mention of the tight security at Oceanus. Where some might see this as an obstacle, Austin saw an invitation to probe the connection be- tween Oceanus and the disastrous collision of the SOS ship and the cruiser. “I might take you up on your cottage offer. I'd like to see a little more of the Faroes before I leave.”