Abel could not speak.

Tray do say something, Mr. Rosnovski.'

'I don't need fourteen days to make a decision,' said Abel finally. 'I accept your clienes terms. Please thank him and tell him I will certainly respect his request for anonymity.'

'That's splendid,' said Curtis Fenton, permitting himself a'wry smile.

'Now, a few small points. The accounts for all the hotels in the group will be placed with Continental Trust affiliates, and the main account will be here in this office under my direct control. I will, in turn, receive one thousand dollars a year as a director of the new company!

'I'm glad you're going to get something out of the deaL' said Abel.

'I beg your pardon?' said the banker.

'I'll be pleased to be working with you, Mr. Fenton!

'Your principal has also placed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars on deposit with the bank to be used as the day - to - day finance for the running of the hotels during the next few months. This will also be regarded as a loan at four per cent. You are to advise me if this amount turns out to be insufficient for your needs. I consider it would enhance your reputation with my client if you found the two hundred and fifty thousand to be sufficient!

'I shall bear that in mind,' said Abel, solemnly trying to imitate the banker's locution.

Curtis Fenton opened a desk drawer and produced a large Cuban cigar.

'Do you smoke?'

'Yes,' said Abel, who had never smoked a cigar before in his life.

He coughed himself down La Salle Street aU the way back to the Stevens.

David Maxton was standing proprietorially in the foyer of the hotel as Abel arrived. Abel stubbed out his half - finished cigar with. some relief and walked over to him.

'Mr. Rosnovski, you look a happy man this morning.'

'I am, sir, and I am only sorry that I will not be working for you as the manager of this hotel.'

'Then so am 1, Mr. Rosnovski, but frankly the news doesn't surprise me.'

'Thank you for everything,~ said Abel, injecting as much feeling as he could into the little phrase and the look with which he accompanied it.

He left David Maxton and went into the dining room in search of Zaphia, but she had already gone off duty. Abel took the lift to his room, re - lit the cigar, took a cautious puff, and called Kane and Cabot. A secretary put him through to William Kane.

'Mr. Kane, I have found it possible to raise the money required for me to take over ownership of the Richmond Group. A Mr. Curtis Fenton of Continental Trust will be in touch with you later today to provide you with the details. There will therefore be no necessity to place the hotels for sale on the open market.'

There was a short pause. Abel thought with satisfaction how galling his news must be to William Kane.

'Mank you for keeping me informed, Mr. Rosnovski. May I say how delighted I am that you found someone to back you? I wish you every success for the future.'

'Which is more than I wish yoti, Mr. Kane.'

Abel put the phone down, lay on his bed and thought about that future.

'One day,' he promised the ceiling,'I arngoing tobuyyour goddam bank and make you want to jump out of a hotel bedroom on the twelfth floor.' He picked up the phone again and asked the girl on the switchboard to get him Mr. Henry Osborne at Great Western Casualty.

19

William put the telephone back on the hook, more amused than annoyed by Abel Rosnovski's pugnacious approach. He was sorry that ~e had been unable to persuade the bank to support the little Pole who believed so strongly that he could pull the Richmond Group through. He fulfilled his remain ing responsibilities by informing the financial committee that Abel Rosnovski had found a backer, preparing the legal documents for the take - over of the hotels, and then'finally closing the bank's file on the Richm ' ond Group.

William was delighted when Matthew arrived in Boston a few days later to take up his position as manager of the bank's investment department.

Charles Lester made no secret of the fact that any professional expertise gained in a rival establishment could do the boy no harrii in his long - term preparation to be chairman of Lester's. William's work load was instantly halved but his time became even more fully occupied. He found himself dragged, protesting in mock horror, on to tennis courts and into swimming pools at every available free moment; only Matthew's suggestion of a ski trip to Vermont brought a determined 'No' from William, but the sudden activity at least served to somewhat alleviate his loneliness and impatience to be with Kate.

Matthew was frankly incredulous. 'I must meet the woman who can make William Kane daydream at a board meeting which is discussing whether the bank should buy more gold.' 'Wait till you see her, Matthew. I think you'll agree she's a better investment than gold.'