obliterated the
smiles with which he at first received me. "But I thought it might
help to a better issue, if two of the parties representing the opposite
interests in this case were to have a little informal conversation."

"I am ready to hear any thing you have to say, Judge, and shall be very
happy if I can aid, in any thing, the satisfactory adjustment of these
matters." My answer, I thought, appeared to give him confidence, and he
said--

"Without doubt you can aid, Doctor. The position in which Squire Floyd
and myself find ourselves placed, is one of some embarrassment. In
making investments of the property which came into our hands, we had
reference, of course, to its security and productiveness; at the same
time looking to a period, still some years in advance, when our trust
would cease, and the property pass in due course to the heir-at-law. To
realize on these investments now, would be to damage the interests of
others; and I cannot feel that it would be right for you to urge this.
The discovery of a new will, bearing a later date, is a thing wholly
unexpected. We had no warning to prepare for the summary action growing
out of its appearance, and, as I have just intimated, cannot proceed
without injury to others."

"I do not believe," said Mr. Dewey, "that the court, if the case was
fairly stated, would require this speedy settlement of the trust. And it
is my advice, that the whole matter be referred back for a new award as
to time. A year longer should be conceded to the executors under the old
will."

"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
e