[Still Thinking]

I’m almost to the end of Part II and I’m still baffled by the identity of Eddie Willers’ silent (to us) dinner partner. Obviously a gulcher and an influential one, because spoiling events have occurred which due to their timing have to have occurred because of these dinner conversations, and using intelligence gained there. But since Eddie doesn’t recognize the guy, it can’t be anyone he knows, like Francisco, whom he grew up with. At the moment I’m assuming John Galt. (Not a spoiler if true because I’m just guessing!)

[Publius]

Much of what you're seeking is contained in Post #34 without spoilers.

Stadler and Akston competed for the attention of 3 great students at Patrick Henry U.: Francisco d'Anconia, Ragnar Danneskjøld and a third unnamed man. Check Post #34 to see why Stadler fears that John Galt is still alive. It's all about guilt.

A soul should have a high sales price, and Dr. Robert Stadler may have sold his short.