“Most important. It opens up a new era in the British steel trade and places us in the foremost rank. At this moment no other steel in the world can compete with that from our Meersbrook Works, thanks to the Professor.”
“You’ve known him a long time, I presume?”
“I’ve not known him personally very long,” was Sir Mark’s reply. “He is a man who has kept himself very much to himself. But, of course, as you know, his reputation is worldwide. He is bringing with him his agent, Mr Kirk.”
“His agent!” I echoed, astounded. “You know him?”
“Of course. I’ve had several dealings with him. He was with us in Vienna a week or so ago.”
“And was Greer there also?”
“Of course,” replied the steel manufacturer. “The contract was arranged there.”
“And who else was with him?”
“No one to my knowledge—except an English lady who lived at the Continental in the Praterstrasse, while we were at the Grand. She seemed to be a friend of the Professor, for one evening he introduced me to her. By the way, her name was very similar to yours, I think—Holworth or Holford.”
“That was in Vienna?” I gasped.