It was not merely the work in which he had constantly grown happier that he saw taken from him; but he felt the misery of the man who stakes the security and plenty and peace of home upon some cast, and knows that losing will sweep from him most that most men find sweet and pleasant in life.

He faced the fact, which no good man can front without terror, that he was risking the support of his family, and for a point of pride, of honor, which perhaps he had no right to consider in view of the possible adversity.

He realized, as every hireling must, no matter how skillfully or gracefully the tie is contrived for his wearing, that he belongs to another, whose will is his law.

His indignation was shot with abject impulses to go back and tell Fulkerson that it was all right, and that he gave up.

To end the anguish of his struggle he quickened his steps, so that he found he was reaching home almost at a run.
VIII.
He must have made more clatter than he supposed with his key at the apartment door, for his wife had come to let him in when he flung it open.