iction was inevitable. A series of frauds and robberies
was exposed, that filled the community with surprise and indignation;
and when the jury, after a brief consultation, brought in a verdict of
guilty, the expression of delight was general. Detestation of the man's
crimes took away all pity from the common sentiment in regard to him. A
sentence of five years' expiation in the State prison closed the career
of Ralph Dewey in S-----, and all men said: "The retribution is just."

Squire Floyd lost everything, and narrowly escaped the charge of
complicity with Dewey. Nothing but the fact of their known antagonism
for some two or three years, turned the public mind in his favor, and
enabled him to show that what appeared collusion, was only, so far as he
was concerned, fair business operations. With the wreck of his fortune
he came very near making also a wreck of his good name. Even as it was,
there were some in S----who thought the Squire had, in some things, gone
far beyond the rule of strict integrity.

Judge Bigelow, thanks to the timely and resolute intervention of Mr.
Wallingford, stood far away from the crashing wrecks, when the storm
swept down in fearful devastation. It raged around, but did not touch
him; for he was safely sheltered, and beyond its reach.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Two years have passed since these disastrous events; and twenty years
since the opening of our story. The causes at work in the beginning,
have wrought out their legitimate effects--the tree has ripened its
fruits--the harvest has been gathered. The quiet of old times has fallen
upon S----. It was only a week ago that steps were taken to set the long
silent mills in motion. A company, formed in Boston, has purchased the
lower mill, and rented from Mr. Wallingford the upper one, which was
built on the Allen estate. Squire Floyd, I learn, is to be the manager
here for the company. I am glad of this. Poor man! He was stripped
of everything, and has been, for the past two years, in destitute
circumstances. How he has contrived to live, is almost a mystery. The
elegant house which he had built for himself was taken and sold by
creditors, with the furniture, plate, and all things pertaining thereto,
and, broken-spirited, he retired to a small tenement on the outskirts of
the town, where he has since lived. His unhappy daughter, with her two
children, are with him. Her son, old enough to be put to some business,
she has placed in a store, w