At the sight of his face that moment my treachery and sin appeared suddenly in their true light before my eyes.
I had been false to my best friend, and more than false.
Who could tell if I had not ruined him?
Vain and selfish fool that I had been! Always thinking what others would think of me, and never how best I could help him in his gallant struggle against his evil destiny.
I rushed wildly from the office after him, and overtook him on the stairs.
"Oh, Jack," I cried, "it really wasn't my--oh! I'm so dreadfully sorry, Jack! If you'll only let me explain, I can--" He was gone.

The door shut-to suddenly in my face, leaving me alone with my misery, and shutting out my one hope of recovering my only friend.
I returned miserable to the office--miserable and savage.

Though I knew I had only myself to blame for what had happened, I was fain to vent my anger on the cowardly set who had used my secret against my friend.

But when I tried to speak the words would not come.

I locked up my desk dejectedly, and without a word to any one, and heedless of the looks and titters that followed me, walked from the place.
Half way down the street I became aware of a footstep following hurriedly, as if to overtake me.