and saw agreement on every countenance.
Then, at the end of his inspection, he once more encountered the hawk-faced man, who was sitting with
folded arms. Legira and this individual locked in a silent stare.
“Unless there are further questions”—Hendrix was speaking to his companions—“we can now give
Legira our decision—”
Legira scarcely heard the words. He was watching his adversary, knowing that here was one, at least,
who by a single question could ruin his plans. The consul's assurance began to fade as he saw the lips of
that impenetrable face move.
“I have a question.”
The voice was cold. Although the words were spoken to the entire group, Legira knew that they were
meant for him, alone.
“A question,” announced Hendrix, rapping the table. “A question from Lamont Cranston.”
LAMONT CRANSTON!
The name was known to Alvarez Legira, although he had never met the man before. He knew that
Cranston was a man of great wealth, one who had taken considerable interest in foreign affairs. He had
heard Cranston described as a cosmopolitan, whose home was everywhere.
Instinctively, Legira knew that success was no longer in his own hands. It depended entirely upon what
Lamont Cranston might have to say.
Legira's hopes seemed to fade. He dreaded the question that was to come. It could shatter his plans in
one moment. He tried to affect an air of indifference as he waited.
“My question is this.” Cranston spoke in slow, emphatic monotone, staring directly at Legira. “Will you
give us your absolute word, Mr. Legira, that this entire sum will be utilized for the express purposes
which you have stipulated?”
“Positively,” answered Legira.
“To the government of Colombia,” continued Cranston, “to the government of Venezuela; and to the
treasury of the new Republic of Santander?”
“For those purposes, and none other,” affirmed Legira.
Lamont Cranston's eyes were gleaming as they pierced the gaze of Alvarez Legira. The consul waited,
his spirit sagging, for he felt that another query was about to come. Then, Lamont Cranston did the
unexpected. He turned away and faced John Hendrix.
“I approve the plan,” he said. “I have no further questions.”
Legira gasped in amazement. In one brief second he had been raised from what seemed tragic failure to
sure success for his plans. Lamont Cranston, on the verge of ruining his hopes, had suddenly become his
stanch supporter!
Before the surprised consul could recover, John Hendrix had rapped the table and called for a vote.
Legira heard the chorus:
“Aye!”
There was not a dissenting voice. Legira found himself shaking hands with John Hendrix and accepting
the congratulations of others. He affixed his signature to a signed document. The last detail had been
arranged.
Ten million dollars!
