LEAVING Waddell, Tholbin went to his cabin, in another part of the ship. He opened a steamer trunk and brought out a folder, from which he extracted some papers.
Examining these, one by one, he tore them into fragments, and tossed the tiny bits of paper through a porthole. Lighting a cigarette, Tholbin threw himself upon the bed and stared reflectively at the ceiling.
He was well satisfied with the way matters were progressing; at the same time, he was now convinced that Parker Noyes was engineering a game that was more than eccentric.
The careful preparations regarding the staterooms; the summoning of so important a person as Tobias Waddell; these were indications that big matters were at stake.
All doubts that David Tholbin had entertained regarding the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars were now forgotten. He was positive that the offer was authentic.
Parker Noyes must have been highly persuasive with Tobias Waddell. It was understood that after the arrival in New York, Tholbin’s engagement to the millionaire’s daughter would be promptly announced.
There was a rap at the stateroom door. Tholbin leaped to his feet. He had grown nervous recently. His meetings with Senov; these preparations aboard ship; other matters that were pending; all gave him a sense of restlessness.
A man was standing at the door — a room steward whom Tholbin had observed on previous occasions.
The fellow was holding a radiogram. Tholbin took it from his hands. He saw that the attendant was waiting.
“Well?”