The incident had shocked him to his inmost soul.

He had often feared lest his money should do indirect evil, but here were crime and madness arising before his very eyes from its influence.

In vain he tried to choke down his feelings, and to persuade himself that this attack of old McIntyre's was something which came of itself--something which had no connection with himself or his wealth.

He remembered the man as he had first met him, garrulous, foolish, but with no obvious vices.

He recalled the change which, week by week, had come over him--his greedy eye, his furtive manner, his hints and innuendoes, ending only the day before in a positive demand for money.