CHAPTER I. A MILLIONAIRE ENTERTAINS
As the huge limousine swung up the gravel drive and stopped beneath the porte-cochere of a large, graystone mansion, it would have seemed to the casual observer that there was no one in the rear seat of the car.
But the chauffeur opened the door as though he expected some one to get out.
“We are here, Mr. Cranston,” he announced. “This is Mr. Waddell’s home, sir.”
Shadows in the back seat resolved themselves into a figure which moved languidly, as though aroused from a reverie. The owner of the car arose in leisurely fashion, and stepped from the limousine.
“Very good, Stanley,” he said to the chauffeur. “You made excellent time coming here. Be back by half past eleven.”
A footman was approaching from the door of the house. The chauffeur spoke to the attendant.
“This is Mr. Lamont Cranston,” he said. “To see Mr. Waddell.”
“Will you come with me, sir?” the footman asked Cranston with a bow. “Mr. Waddell was expecting you, sir. I shall announce your arrival.”
As the limousine pulled away, Lamont Cranston and the footman ascended the steps. Inside the door of the sumptuous residence, the servant went ahead to announce the visitor.