were shut, never to be opened for business again.
His accounts were all in confusion. The Cashier, who had succeeded
him on his elevation to the Presidency of the institution; was a mere
creature in his hands; and from his revelations it was plain that
robbery had been progressing for some time on a grand scale.

As soon as these disastrous facts became known to the heaviest sufferers
in S----, the proper affidavits were made out, and requisitions obtained
for both Dewey and Kling, as defaulters and fugitives from justice.
The Sheriff of our county, charged with the duty of arrest, proceeded
forthwith to New York, and, engaging the services of detectives there,
began the search for Dewey, who, it was believed, had not left that
city. He was discovered, in a week, after having dexterously eluded
pursuit, on the eve of departure for England, disguised, and under an
assumed name. His next appearance in S----was as a prisoner in the hands
of our Sheriff, who lodged him in jail. Very heavy bonds being required
for his appearance at court, there was not found among us any one
willing to take the risk, who was qualified to become his surety. And so
the wretched man was compelled to lie in prison until the day of trial.

Immediately on his incarceration, he sent for Mr. Wallingford, who
visited him without delay. He found him a shrinking, cowed, and
frightened culprit; not a man, conscious of rectitude, and therefore
firm in bearing, though in a false and dangerous position.

"This is a bad business, Mr. Wallingford," he said, on meeting the
lawyer--"a very bad business; and I have sent for you as a professional
gentleman of standing and ability, in order to have a consultation in
regard to my position--in fact, to place myself wholly in your hands. I
must have the best counsel, and therefore take the earliest opportunity
to secure your valuable services. Will you undertake my case?"

"That will depend, Mr. Dewey," was answered, "entirely upon how it
stands. If you are falsely accused, and can demonstrate to me your
innocence, I will defend you to the utmost of my ability, battling your
accusers to the last. But if, on the contrary, you cannot show clean
hands, I am not the one to undertake your case."

Dewey looked at Mr. Wallingford strangely. He scarcely comprehended him.

"I may have committed mistakes; all men are liable to error," he
replied.

"Mistake is one thing, Mr. Dewey, and may be explained; fraud is another