No one listened, a few directors yawned.

Others had their eyes riveted on Ryder's face, trying to read there if he had devised some plan to offset the crushing blow of this adverse decision, which meant a serious loss to them all.
He, the master mind, had served them in many a like crisis in the past.

Could he do so again?
But John Ryder gave no sign.

His eyes, still of the same restful blue, were fixed on the ceiling watching a spider marching with diabolical intent on a wretched fly that had become entangled in its web.

And as the secretary ambled monotonously on, Ryder watched and watched until he saw the spider seize its helpless prey and devour it.