Chapter 4 Summary

Wilhelm leaves, wallowing in self-loathing, and goes to meet Tamkin to find out what's happening to his investment in lard. He is trying hard to understand Tamkin, but can't figure him out. He wants to believe he is everything he claims to be and that the gossip is false. The big question is whether or not to trust him. However, it's too late anyway; he has already given him all the money he has left in the world and then some. He gave him a check for $1,000, and Tamkin gave him one for $300, which hasn't cleared the bank yet. It was supposed to be an equal partnership; however, Tamkin couldn't put up all of his part, but promised to make it up in a few days. He had also signed "a power of attorney" that allowed Tamkin to speculate with the money.

Tamkin...