Tavernake nodded, and one of the men of the party leaned forward with interest.
“You're going to make millions and millions,” she assured him. “You always knew you would, didn't you?”
“I am afraid that I was almost too confident,” he answered. “But certainly we have been quite fortunate.”
One of Elizabeth's companions intervened—he was the one who had pricked up his ears at the mention of the Manhattan Syndicate.
“Say, Elizabeth,” he remarked, “I'd like to meet your friend.”
Elizabeth, with a frown, performed the introduction.
“Mr. Anthony Cruxhall—Mr. Tavernake!”
Mr. Cruxhall held out a fat white hand, on the little finger of which glittered a big diamond ring.
“Say, are you the Mr. Tavernake that was surveyor to the prospecting party sent out by the Manhattan Syndicate?” he inquired.
“I was,” Tavernake admitted, briefly. “I still am, I hope.”