“Did you approve?”
“I did. The announcement of the loan appeared in the early editions of the evening newspapers. So Double Z — if he is watching — knows now that I have failed to heed his instructions.”
“Hm-m-m,” said Cardona. “Did you have any previous indication of this?”
“No,” replied Farmington.
“When did you announce that your decision would be made to-day?”
The millionaire chewed the end of his half-finished cigar; then threw the perfecto into a tubular ash receiver. He arose and paced the floor, in thought. At last, he turned to face Detective Cardona.
“It has been known,” he said, “that my decision regarding the loan might be made within a few weeks; but yesterday I made an announcement, indicating I would reach a definite decision to-day.
“A number of my friends were here last night. They had seen the announcement in the newspapers. I stated that it was correct, for I had definitely made up my mind.”
“Did you speak to any one else about it?”
“Yes. To reporters who called up while my friends were here. They wanted to corroborate the announcement for the morning newspapers.”