Fighting for fortune : $b or, Making a place for himself

How it begins

Dean Mercer drew a breath of relief as he stepped from the musty law office of his former employer, Russell Montague, into the open air. He knew that he had made the most momentous decision of his life—a decision which was to shape his whole future course of action. In doing this he had abandoned a promising law course, overcame the natural preference of his parents and “struck out for himself,” as he put it. “I can’t bear the stifling old place!” he exclaimed, giving vent to his feelings with a low exclamation of exultation, as the fresh breeze from Lake Seneca cooled his overheated temples. “Don’t that feel good—free, just as I feel, free! “I do not blame Mr.