Who is Mr. Selby from The Ruby in the Smoke and what is their importance?

Mr. Selby is one of the partners in the Selby and Lockhart Shipping Company. When Lockhart dies, Selby becomes the sole owner. Selby is described as a greedy, cowardly and corrupt man, who is willing to deal with criminals and the illegal opium trade in order to make money. In the end, he is killed by Van Eeden.