CHAPTER VI
FROM the terrace apartment where Craig Farnsworth lived, Central Park appeared now as a vast patch of black velvet, studded with jewels of light. It seemed odd, as Margo Lane considered it, how great a change a few hours could produce in that setting.
Even more odd what a few minutes had done back at the Chateau Parkview, where a peculiar drama had developed involving Phil Harley and Arlene Forster, two persons whose connection with an existing mystery had begun too late for Lamont Cranston to learn about it!
While Margo studied the darkened park and also the distant line of buildings to the south of it, Cranston listened to Farnsworth’s discourse on the subject of Ronjan’s treasure quest.
Craig Farnsworth was a big man and emphatic in proportion to his size. He was also a big money man, or he couldn’t have afforded this fancy apartment in a high-priced neighborhood on the upper East Side. But having made his money, Farnsworth wasn’t the man to part with it too quickly.
“Ronjan’s proposal is very simple,” summed Farnsworth, in a scoffing tone. “We’re to put up the extra money, but he is to gain the big share of the treasure. How does that proposition strike you?”
“As a very minor shareholder,” returned Cranston, “I would prefer to hear your opinion, Farnsworth.”
“Quite naturally.” A smile spread over Farnsworth’s broad, ruddy face. “You would only have to contribute pro rata to the loan. If I risked much, you would be willing to risk little. Is that it?”
“That is it.”
“Very well then,” Farnsworth decided. “I shall advance Ronjan all the money he needs” - there was a pause while Farnsworth watched Cranston raise his eyebrows as an expression of surprise - “provided he puts up suitable bond.”