"And what will he do alone in a great city, with no one to advise him?" she cried.
"Fight it out and win, if he is made of the stuff I believe to be in him. He had enemies here who were ruining him, body and soul."
"He had one friend at least in Mr. Gerard," she said.
"We had better not discuss Gerard," he replied, rising quietly.
"Mr. Gerard has told me——," she began.
"Never believe a hostile witness until he has safely stood the fire of cross-examination," he remarked, oracularly.
"Oh, it was cruel not to give the boy just one chance!" she cried. "My heart is breaking for him!"
Therewith she rose and left the room. Denis took out his pipe and filled it. Then he went to "The Mercury" office, smoking thoughtfully. The first person to meet him on his arrival was John Gerard.
"What do you want with me?" asked Denis Quirk, abruptly.
"Just to hand in my resignation. I have other schemes on hand, and cannot find the necessary time to your work," replied Gerard.