the fact that you had in addition thereto unlawfully used and converted to your own use several hundred thousand dollars of the loan and money of the city.  For such an offense the maximum punishment affixed by the law is singularly merciful.  Nevertheless, the facts in connection with your hitherto distinguished position, the circumstances under which your failure was brought about, and the appeals of your numerous friends and financial associates, will be given due consideration by this court.  It is not unmindful of any important fact in your career.”  Payderson paused as if in doubt, though he knew very well how he was about to proceed.  He knew what his superiors expected of him.

“If your case points no other moral,” he went on, after a moment, toying with the briefs, “it will at least teach the lesson much needed at the present time, that the treasury of the city is not to be invaded and plundered with impunity under the thin disguise of a business transaction, and that there is still a power in the law to vindicate itself and to protect the public.

“The sentence of the court,” he added, solemnly, the while Cowperwood gazed unmoved, “is, therefore, that you pay a fine of five thousand dollars to the commonwealth for the use of the county, that you pay the costs of prosecution, and that you undergo imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for the Eastern District by separate or solitary confinement at labor for a period of four years and three months, and that you stand committed until this sentence is complied with.”

Cowperwood’s father, on hearing this, bowed his head to hide his tears.  Aileen bit her lower lip and clenched her hands to keep down her rage and disappointment and tears.  Four years and three months!  That would make a terrible gap in his life and hers.  Still, she could wait.  It was better than eight or ten years, as she had feared it might be.  Perhaps now, once this was really over and he was in prison, the Governor would pardon him.

The judge now moved to pick up the papers in connection with Stener’s case, satisfied that he had given the financiers no chance to say he had not given due heed to their plea in Cowperwood’s behalf and yet certain that the politicians would be pleased that he had so nearly given Cowperwood the maximum while appearing to have heeded the pleas for mercy.  Cowperwood saw through the trick at once, but it did not disturb him.  It struck him as rather weak and contemptible.  A bailiff came forward and started to hurry him away.

“Allow the prisoner to remain for a moment,” called the judge.

The name, of George W. Stener had been called by the clerk and Cowperwood did not quite understand why he was being detained, but he soon learned.  It was that he might hear the opinion of the court in connection with his copartner in crime.  The latter’s record was taken.  Roger O’Mara, the Irish political lawyer who had been his counsel all through his troubles, stood near him, but had nothing to say beyond asking the judge to consider Stener’s previously honorable career.