The old miser living in a tenement keeps his savings in an earthen idol The janitor of the building suspects that the old man has concealed wealth but is unable to locate if Finally the miser dies and the janitor disposes of the idol to a dealer in antiques Carter a bank clerk is given to speculation and in response to his wifes earnest appeal be promises to give up the precarious practices which are jeopardizing his position and happiness However the young man is weak and breaks his promise