“That would be equitable,” said the Judge.

“I am afraid,” I made answer to this, “that Mr. Wallingford will not consent to any postponement.”

“He won’t?  The hound!” I was startled by the fierceness of Dewey’s tone of voice, and, turning to look at him, saw on his countenance an expression of malignant hatred.

“Ralph!” said Judge Bigelow, in a warning voice.

“I can’t repress my indignation,” answered the nephew.  “What demons from the nether hell have conspired to give him power over us?  If it had been any other man in the world I could have borne it patiently.”

“Ralph!  Ralph!” interposed the Judge, in a deprecating voice.

“It is no use, uncle.  I cannot keep down my feeling,” was replied.  “To see you hunted by this hound, who owes you everything.”

“Pardon me, Mr. Dewey,” said I, “but I cannot hear such language used towards a gentleman of irreproachable character.  Mr. Wallingford is not entitled to the epithet you give; and I warn you, not to repeat that, or anything like it, in my presence.”

“You warn me!”

A gleam shot towards me from his evil eyes.

“Ralph! silence!” The Judge spoke sternly.

“Yes, in all soberness, I warn you,” said I, fixing my gaze upon him, and holding his eyes until they fell to the floor.  “Mr. Wallingford is not the man to permit any one to use language about him, such as you have indulged in.  If you make use of another opprobrious epithet, I will communicate the fact to him immediately.  And let me say, that, unless a different temper is manifested, I must terminate this interview at once.”

Judge Bigelow drew his nephew aside, and talked for some time with him, in a low, earnest tone; after which the latter apologized, though with an ill grace, for the intemperance of his manner—­alleging that an old wound smarted whenever Wallingford crossed his path.

The result of this confidential talk was not as favorable on my mind as Judge Bigelow had hoped to make it.  I pitied his embarrassment; but the conduct of Dewey confirmed my previous view of the case, which was to require a transfer of the property specified by Mr. Wallingford, or press for an immediate foreclosure of the mill investments.  There was, I felt satisfied, hazard in delay.

When our next formal meeting took place, Dewey was again present.  It was in my thought to suggest that he was not a party covered by the business to be considered, when Mr. Wallingford said, in his mild, grave way—­

“I believe this is a meeting of the Executors under the two wills of Captain Allen.”

The meaning of his remark could not be misunderstood, for he glanced towards Mr. Dewey as he spoke.  That individual, however, did not choose to regard himself as referred to, and made no sign.  But Mr. Wallingford was not the man to let a deliberate purpose fall to the ground.  He had come with the intention of objecting to Dewey’s presence at the conference, and to insist upon his retiring, as a preliminary to business.