Trent, on leaving the hotel, turned for almost the first time in his life westwards.

For years the narrow alleys, the thronged streets, the great buildings of the City had known him day by day, almost hour by hour.

Its roar and clamour, the strife of tongues and keen measuring of wits had been the salt of his life.

Steadily, sturdily, almost insolently, he had thrust his way through to the front ranks.

In many respects those were singular and unusual elements which had gone to the making of his success.