“Engineering contracting — that is his line. Talked a lot about the Five Year Plan. Must have learned a good bit over there — more than he tells—”
The speaker broke off as he saw Cranston watching a portly man who was listening to Holtmann.
“Parker Noyes is my attorney,” remarked Waddell. “I believe you met him on your last visit here. Very capable man, Noyes. It was he who introduced me to Holtmann.”
As Cranston chanced to glance toward a corner of the room, Waddell nudged him and indicated a tall, handsome man.
“Popular young chap,” observed Waddell. “Met my daughter at Noyes’ house some time ago, and has come here frequently. Name is Frederick Froman. Very agreeable personality. Appears to have a lot of money. Different from that fellow Tholbin.”
With the mention of the second name, the stout millionaire directed Cranston’s attention to a sallow-faced young man who was standing beside the grand piano. Betty Waddell, the millionaire’s daughter, was seated on the piano bench. She and Tholbin were engaged in conversation.
“David Tholbin,” mused Waddell. “Wish I knew more about him. He’ll be proposing marriage to Betty, first thing you know. He follows us too much when we travel. Seems to have some money — how much, I don’t know. Sort of an adventurer, I figure.”
It was obvious that the millionaire judged men by their wealth. Lamont Cranston, himself a multimillionaire, was a highly honored guest, gauged by Waddell’s standard.
Without speaking or giving visible notice of his action, Cranston made a calm comparison of the two young men whom Waddell had last indicated in the conversation.
The two formed a marked contrast. Froman, with light hair and complexion, possessed a frank face.