"How came you to know Stephen Lorimer?" asked Packard.
"He and my father were in business together in Buffalo some years since. They failed, and I have always believed that my father was defrauded. At any rate he lost everything, while his old partner had money enough to start in the dry-goods business in New York."
"History repeats itself," said Packard. "Many years ago, when I was twenty-two, I was the partner of Stephen Lorimer."
"You!"
"Yes. In fact I furnished three-fourths of the capital. At the end of eighteen months we failed. I never could understand why, for our business had been good. Stephen kept the books, and I examined without being able to understand them. The upshot of it was that I was thrown upon the world penniless, while he soon went into business for himself in another place. I have not seen Lorimer for twenty years, till accident brought us together to-night."
"I am glad you are prosperous again."
"Yes. I have far more money than when I belonged to the firm of Lorimer & Packard."
"Perhaps Mr. Lorimer would take you in as partner again."
"I have no desire to be associated with him in any way. I believe him to be a thoroughly dishonest man. I am sorry that your father has suffered also at his hands."