or physical welfare.  I thank God that at last I have been led to see the error of my ways, and that there is still time for me to undo in some measure what I have done, and to make amends for the past in the present and future.  Now, what concerns you in this confession, firstly, is this:  As senior member and three-fourths owner in the firm of Denton, Day & Co., I am about to assume the responsibility of its business, and to introduce new methods in its various systems which I have every reason to believe will not meet with your approval.  To be absolutely fair and square, I will tell you what a few of these changes will be.  I cannot tell them all, because that would be impossible.  They will develop day by day as the necessity arises and confronts me.  If it is possible I shall run this store in future on a Christian basis, or, in other words, on the basis of physical and moral justice, and whether the experiment proves disastrous or successful, I shall follow it to the end.  I shall sink or swim as the Lord permits me.”

As he finished, he looked calmly at the faces of his two partners.  There was no excitement visible in his manner, except that he breathed a little heavier.  For a moment only blank consternation reigned, then Mr. Day drew himself up with a scornful air, while Mr. Forbes sat staring at him with his head bowed upon his bosom.

“And suppose we do not give our consent to these changes that you speak of?” said Mr. Day, curtly.  “Do you forget, Mr. Denton, that this partnership has still several years to run?  Whether we own much or little of the capital, we are still your partners!”

“And as such you are at liberty to oppose my actions,” answered Mr. Denton, quickly; “but in that case I shall resort to the most extreme measures, for my mind is made up, and my decision final!”

CHAPTER XXV.

Mr. Denton gives some orders.

At this demonstration of firmness on Mr. Denton’s part, Mr. Forbes still sat speechless with his head bowed sullenly.  Mr. Day, on the contrary, nearly exploded with wrath, but at each angry suggestion he was met with the same firm refusal.

“Are we to be made laughing stocks for the whole business world to jeer at?” he asked as he paced the office furiously, “or to be bankrupted through methods that border strongly on insanity?  For it is nothing else, Mr. Denton, but raving lunacy!  No man in his sober senses would entertain such a plan for the space of a second!  Why, your orders about those sweat-shops were simply ridiculous!  Are we to pay more for our goods than they are really worth, and then make a charity organization of ourselves and give them to our customers?”

Mr. Denton smiled sadly.  He was not at all surprised.

What amused him most was the demeanor of Mr. Forbes; he had expected vituperations from him at every point of his confession.