Willis Ford¹'s feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say criminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with those whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. He had always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirsted for an opportunity to do him mischief². Next he felt embittered³ against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly possible to see how the broker⁴ could have done otherwise. This dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason.