The names upon the brass plates to right and to left of him were the names of men he knew, men with whom he desired to stand well, whose friendship or contempt made life worth living or the reverse.

It was worth a great risk--this effort of his to keep his place.

His one mistake--this association with Morrison--had been such an unparalleled stroke of bad luck.

He was rid of the fellow now.

For the future there should be no more partners.