Norman looked at Tetlow shrewdly.  “How do you know this?” he asked.

Tetlow’s eyes shifted.  “Can’t tell you.  But I know.”

“Galloway hates me.”

Tetlow nodded.  “You were the one who forced him into a position where he had to make peace with Burroughs.  But Galloway’s a big man, big enough to admire ability wherever he sees it.  He has admired you ever since.”

“And has given his business to another firm.”

“But if the break comes he’ll need you.  And he’s the sort of man who doesn’t hesitate to take what he needs.”

“Too remote,” said Norman, and his despondent gesture showed how quickly hope had lighted up.  “Besides, Billy, I’ve lost my nerve.  I’m no good.”

“But you’ve gotten over that—­that attack of insanity.”

Norman shook his head.

“I can’t understand it,” ejaculated Tetlow.

“Of course you can’t,” said Norman.  “But—­there it is.”

“You haven’t seen her lately?”

“Not since that day ...  Billy, she hasn’t—­” Norman stopped, and Tetlow saw that his hands were trembling with agitation, and marveled.

“Oh, no,” replied Tetlow.  “So far as I know, she’s still respectable.  But—­why don’t you go to see her?  I think you’d be cured.”

“Why do you say that?” demanded Norman, the veins in his forehead bulging with the fury he was ready to release.

“For no especial reason—­on my honor, Fred,” replied Tetlow.  “Simply because time works wonders in all sorts of ways, including infatuations.  Also—­well, the fact is, it didn’t seem to me that young lady improved on acquaintance.  Maybe I got tired, or piqued—­I don’t know.  If she hadn’t been a silly little fool, would she have refused you?  I know it sounds well—­in a novel or a play—­for a poor girl to refuse a good offer, just from sentiment.  But, all the same, only a fool girl does it—­in life—­eh?  But go to see her.  You’ll understand what I mean, I think.  I want you to brace up.  That may help.”

“What’s she doing?”

“I don’t know.  I’ll send you her address.  I can get it.  About Galloway—­If that break comes, I propose that we get his business—­you and I. I want you for a partner.  I always did.  I think I know how to get work out of you.  I understand you better, than anyone else.  That’s why I’m here.”

“It’s useless,” said Norman.

“I’m willing to take the risk.  Now, here’s what I propose.  I’ll stake you to the extent of a thousand dollars a month for the next six months, you to keep on as you are and not to tie yourself up to any other lawyer, or to any client likely to hamper us if we get the Galloway business.”

“I’ve been borrowing right and left——­”

“I know about that,” interrupted Tetlow.  “I’m not interested.  If you’ll agree to my proposal, I’ll take my chances.”

“You are throwing away six thousand dollars.”

“I owe you a position where I make five times that much.”