ent
wherein the condition of the bank was set forth, and to which he
appended his signature. But he had no certain knowledge that the figures
were correct. Of the paper under discount over two-thirds was drawn or
endorsed by Floyd, Lawson, Lee, & Co.

At the time Judge Bigelow began investing in mill property, he was
worth, in productive stocks and real estate, from thirty to forty
thousand dollars. He now estimated his wealth at from sixty to eighty
thousand dollars; but it was all locked up in the mills.

The result of this first interview between the Judge and Mr. Wallingford
was to set the former in a better position to see the character of his
responsibilities, and the extreme danger in which he stood. The clear,
honest, common sense way in which Wallingford looked at everything, and
comprehended everything, surprised his old preceptor; and gave him so
much confidence in his judgment and discretion, that he placed himself
fully in his hands. And well for him was it that he did so in time.

CHAPTER XXIX.

In accordance with the advice of Mr. Wallingford, the first reactionary
movement on the part of Judge Bigelow, was his refusal to endorse any
more paper for his nephew, or the firm of which he was a member, on
the ground that such endorsements, on his part, were of no real value,
considering the large amounts for which he was already responsible, and
consequently little better than fraudulent engagements to pay.

A storm between the uncle and nephew was the consequence, and the latter
undertook to drive the old gentleman back again into the traces, by
threats of terrible disasters to him and all concerned. If Judge Bigelow
had stood alone, the nephew would have been too strong for him. But he
had a clear-seeing, honest mind to throw light upon his way, and a young
and vigorous arm to lean upon in his hour of weakness and trial. And so
Ralph Dewey, to his surprise and alarm, found it impossible to bend the
Judge from his resolution.

Then followed several weeks, during which time Dewey was flying back
and forth between New York and S----, trying to re-adjust the disturbed
balance of things. The result was as Mr. Wallingford had anticipated.
There was too much at stake for the house of Floyd, Lawson, Lee, & Co.,
to let matters fail for lack of Judge Bigelow's endorsements. Some other
prop must be substituted for this one.

The four months that followed were months of anxious suspense on the
part of Ju