Smith, Jones, and Brown were creditors of White, who operated a grain elevator known as White's Elevator. Heavily in debt, White was about to fail when the three creditors agreed to take title to his elevator property and pay all the debts. It was also agreed that White should continue as manager of the business at a salary of $1,500 per month and that all profits of the business were to be paid to Smith, Jones, and Brown. It was further agreed that they could dispense with White's services at any time and that he was free to quit when he pleased. White accepted the proposition and continued to operate the business as before.
The agreement worked successfully and for several years paid substantial profits, enough so that Smith, Jones, and Brown had received nearly all that they had originally advanced. Were Smith, Jones, and Brown partners? Explain.