I was a clerk in the Antioch banking-house.

I knew that Philias was misusing his partner's name and credit.

The Roman whom I have mentioned knew it too, and had a supple Greek confidant who shared his spoils and gave the touches to his schemes.

He had good cause to know: he was levying blackmail on Philias.

At last a crisis came; the defalcation could be concealed no longer.