But Jadwin was beyond all appeal. He threw off Gretry’s hand.

“Your firm, your firm⁠—you’ve been cowards from the start. I know you, I know you. You have sold me out. Crookes has bought you. Get out of my way!” he shouted. “Get out of my way! Do you hear? I’ll play my hand alone from now on.”

“ J. , old man⁠—why⁠—see here, man,” Gretry implored, still holding him by the arm; “here, where are you going?”

Jadwin’s voice rang like a trumpet call:

“ Into the Pit. ”

“Look here⁠—wait⁠—here. Hold him back, gentlemen. He don’t know what he’s about.”