at at
the time he had been puzzled at receiving so much stock and he had
mentioned it to Ryder, adding that the secretary had told him it
was customary. Oh, why had he not kept the secretary's letter? But
Ryder would certainly remember it. He probably still had his two
letters in which he spoke of making the investment. If those
letters could be produced at the Congressional inquiry they would
clear him at once. So losing no time, and filled with renewed hope
he wrote to the Colossus a strong, manly letter which would have
melted an iceberg, urging Mr. Ryder to come forward now at this
critical time and clear him of this abominable charge, or in any
case to kindly return the two letters he must have in his
possession, as they would go far to help him at the trial. Three
days passed and no reply from Ryder. On the fourth came a polite
but frigid note from Mr. Ryder's private secretary. Mr. Ryder had
received Judge Rossmore's letter and in reply begged to state that
he had a vague recollection of some conversation with the judge in
regard to investments, but he did not think he had advised the
purchase of any particular stock, as that was something he never
did on principle, even with his most intimate friends. He had no
wish to be held accountable in case of loss, etc. As to the letter
which Judge Rossmore mentioned as having written to Mr. Ryder in
regard to having received more stock than he had bought, of that
Mr. Ryder had no recollection whatsoever. Judge Rossmore was
probably mistaken as to the identity of his correspondent. He
regretted he could not be of more service to Judge Rossmore, and
remained his very obedient servant.

It was very evident that no help was to be looked for in that
quarter. There was even decided hostility in Ryder's reply. Could
it be true that the financier was really behind these attacks upon
his character, was it possible that one man merely to make more
money would deliberately ruin his fellow man whose hand he had
grasped in friendship? He had been unwilling to believe it when
his friend ex-judge Stott had pointed to Ryder as the author of
all his misfortunes, but this unsympathetic letter with its
falsehoods, its lies plainly written all over its face, was proof
enough. Yes, there was now no doubt possible. John Burkett Ryder
was his enemy and what an enemy! Many a man had committed suicide
when he had incurred the enmity of the Colossus. Judge Rossmore,
completely discouraged, bow