“Ah, yes,” he said, hearing only the voice of Griscom, “it is true that some rackets have declined. I recall reading that one in particular, was broken during the past week.
“But, gentlemen” — he glanced swiftly about the table, carefully avoiding the gaze of the man in the corner — “I can tell you this! These racketeers will find new outlets when others have been ended, and the theatrical business — your business — will be one of them!”
There was an impressiveness in Wilberton’s statement that had a marked influence upon the men present. Ballantyne was still unconvinced. The man in the corner said nothing. His face was impassive. Howard Griscom noticed him.
“Ah, Mr. Wilberton,” he said. “The gentleman who spoke a few minutes ago is Mr. Lamont Cranston. He has an interest in the Derringer Circuit, the enterprise which will be absorbed in the merger.
“We believed that Mr. Cranston was away from New York. He gave us an agreeable surprise by appearing here unexpectedly.”
“I am glad to have his opinion,” said Wilberton. “Perhaps I am prejudiced, gentlemen; but remember, I am a financier and a banker. You are theatrical men — you may also have your prejudices.”
Howard Griscom nodded. His face wore a worried expression. He looked at the men about him, particularly Ballantyne. He cleared his throat and spoke directly to Stanley Wilberton.
“WE must accept your opinion, Mr. Wilberton,” he said, “and, after all, it is more than justified. I am going to speak frankly with you — as I always do.
“We have encountered a problem with United Theaters that presages what you have mentioned. Mr. Cranston is ignorant of this — for the theaters in which he is interested are not in New York. I do not believe that the Cooper-Lowden interests have had the experience.
“But it is a problem that has confronted United Theaters. In all fairness, I must discuss it now.