But in regard to the particular case now at issue--this Auburndale decision--there had been no way of preventing it.

Influence had been used, but to no effect.

The thing to do now was to prevent any such disasters in future by removing the author of them.
The directors bent eagerly forward.

Had Ryder really got some plan up his sleeve after all?
The faces around the table looked brighter, and the directors cleared their throats and settled themselves down in their chairs as audiences do in the theatre when the drama is reaching its climax.
The board, continued Ryder with icy calmness, had perhaps heard, and also seen in the newspapers, the stories regarding Judge Rossmore and his alleged connection with the Great Northwestern Company.

Perhaps they had not believed these stories.