when you know we haven’t a dollar put towards the ‘Rest’ and the money is just pouring out for expenses and directors’ fees.  There’s barely enough left over to keep up the sham of dividends.  You know it as well as I do.  I’ve been an ass and an idiot, but I’m done with living a lie.  Judge Hildreth, I came to tell you that if you don’t do the square thing by these people who have trusted us, I’ll expose you!”

His vehemence was tremendous and the words poured out in a torrent which never checked its flow.  He had risen and in his excitement paced up and down the room.  Now, overcome by his effort, he sank exhausted into a chair.

Judge Hildreth rose suddenly and locked the office door.  When he turned again his face was not a pleasant sight to see.

“President Peters,” he said sternly, “this is not the age of heroics nor the place for them.  In future I beg you to remember our relative positions.  You seem to forget that I am the direct cause of your present prosperity, but that is an omission which men of your stamp are liable to make.  I never expect gratitude from those whom I have befriended.

“But when you come to threats, that is another matter.  You say you will expose me.  To whom, if you please? You are the President of the Consolidated Company.  Your name is associated with its business.  Mine does not appear in any way, shape or form.  You sign all papers, and it is you whom the public hold accountable for all moneys deposited in the institution.  Any attempt which you might make to connect me with the enterprise would be futile, utterly futile.  The public would not believe you, and you could not prove it in any court of law.”

The man, worn and spent with his emotion, lifted his head and looked at the Judge with dazed, lack-luster eyes.

“Not connected with the enterprise,” he repeated, “why, the whole thought of the thing came from you! and you have drawn thousands of dollars——­”

“I have simply given advice,” interrupted the Judge haughtily.

“Advice!” echoed the man, “and doesn’t advice count in law?”

“If you can prove it;” said the Judge with a cold smile.  “Do you ever remember having any of my opinions in writing, President Peters?  The law takes cognizance only of black and white, you know.”

The victim writhed in his chair, as the trap in which he was caught revealed itself.  Heavily his eyes searched Judge Hildreth’s face for some sign of pity or relenting, but in vain.

“And if there should come a run on the funds?” he questioned dully.

“If there should come a run on the funds,” answered the Judge, “you would be underneath.”

The man’s head fell forward upon the table, and the Judge, with a cruel smile, left the room.

* * * * *

Two office boys lingered in the handsome offices of the Consolidated Provident Savings Company after business hours were over.