“I shall not need you any longer, Crowley,” remarked Wilberton. “You may leave now. Do not return until after lunch — and be sure to take care of those matters I mentioned this morning. We had not quite finished with our discussion, but I think you now understand what should be done.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Crowley solemnly.
He bowed and walked from the room. Lamont Cranston had been eyeing the inscrutable face of the secretary. He watched Crowley as the man left.
“I did not wish Crowley to be here,” said Wilberton. “He attends to detail work for me, but knows nothing about my plans.
“Regarding the loan, Mr. Griscom, I can assure you and Mr. - er” — he motioned toward Cranston — “your friend here, that I am quite willing to furnish the money when you have settled the menace that now threatens your business.”
“Ballantyne is the stumbling block,” replied Griscom. “I see the menace now; he refuses to see it. I cannot act until Ballantyne is willing. But, perhaps—”
“Perhaps,” supplied Wilberton, as Griscom paused, “new troubles may cause Ballantyne to become less obstinate. I sympathize with him and with you, Griscom. These rackets are bitter pills to swallow, and I cannot blame you for your stand.
“I agree with opposing them, in theory; but it is impossible to oppose them when they become facts. It is an outrage, but—” He shrugged his shoulders in completion of the sentence.
Howard Griscom arose. He knew from Wilberton’s manner that the interview was ended. He and Cranston said good-by to the financier. They left the building and rode in a cab to Griscom’s office.
“I am glad you were with me, Cranston,” said Griscom soberly. “The condition is much more serious than I mentioned to Wilberton. Vandals have broken into two of our theaters, and have wreaked much damage.