Chapters 30-32 Summary

Hatch is in his office waiting for the coroner to come for Wopner's body. Neidelman tries to console Hatch and tells him how Neidelman's son died in a salvaging diving accident. He tells Hatch that accidents are a part of the business and that Wopner's death should not deter them from the project. Neidelman mentions the possibility of sabotage, particularly in reference to the computer problems and says it has to be someone who had access to the computer. He mentions Rankin, Magnusen, St. John, Bonterre and even Wopner himself. Neidelman also mentions industrial espionage as a reason for the sabotage. Neidelman feels the solution is to keep working without a break. Hatch wants to halt the operation until the following spring. The coroner then arrives.

The beginning of Chapter Thirty One reveals that Clay is preparing a special sermon and...