"I think before you go on to that, Mr.St.
Clair," he began, "I ought to--" "Excuse me, I was about to say," interrupted Mr.St.Clair, hastily, "Mr.Raymond and I have felt that we must strengthen our executive.

As you know, he has left this department almost entirely to me, and he now realizes what I have long felt, that the burden has grown too heavy for one to carry.

Naturally we think of you, and I may say we are more than glad, though it is a very unusual thing in the business world, that we can, with the fullest confidence, offer you a partnership." Mr.St.
Clair paused to allow the full weight of this announcement to sink into his manager's mind.
Then Ranald pulled himself together.

He must break free or the fight would be lost before he had struck a blow.
"I need not say," he began once more, "how greatly gratified I am by this offer, and I feel sure you will believe that I am deeply grateful." Ranald's voice was low and even, but unknown to himself there was in it a tone of stern resolve that struck Mr.St.Clair's ear.

He knew his manager.