Samuel Burge is a young man who has recently inherited a large fortune from his late father. He is determined to make something of himself and decides to invest his money in a business venture. However, he soon finds himself in the middle of a web of temptation and deceit. Samuel is approached by a shady character named Mr. Smith, who offers him a chance to make a quick and easy profit. Smith promises Samuel a large sum of money if he will invest in a certain business venture. Despite his better judgment, Samuel agrees to the deal and soon finds himself in over his head. As the story progresses, Samuel is faced with a series of difficult decisions. He must decide whether to trust Smith and his shady associates, or to follow his conscience and turn away from the temptation of easy money. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about the power of money and the importance of making wise decisions. In the end, Samuel must choose between his own desires and the greater good.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Fiction, Humor, Romance