e and Ralph
are at loggerheads, and seem to me to be getting matters snarled up.
There is no denying the fact that this summary footing of our accounts,
as executors, has tended to cripple affairs. We were working up to the
full extent of capital invested, and the absence of a hundred thousand
dollars--or its representative security--has made financiering a thing
of no easy consideration."

"I am afraid, Judge Bigelow," said Wallingford, as the old man paused,
"that you are in the hands of one who, to gain his own ends, would
sacrifice you without a moment's hesitation."

"Who?"

"You will permit me to speak plainly, Judge."

"Say on. The plain speech of a friend is better than the flatteries of
an enemy."

"I have no faith in Ralph Dewey."

The two men looked steadily at each other for some moments.

"Over fifteen years' observation of the man has satisfied me that he
possesses neither honor nor humanity. He is your nephew. But that does
not signify. We must look at men as they are."

"His movements have not been to my satisfaction for some time," said the
Judge; speaking as though conviction had to force itself upon his mind.

"You should canvass all he does with the closest care; and if your
property lies in any degree at his mercy, change the relation as quickly
as possible."

"Are you not prejudiced against him, Henry?" The Judge spoke in a
deprecating tone.

"I believe, sir, that I estimate him at his real value; and I do most
earnestly conjure you to set to work at once to disentangle your affairs
if seriously involved with his. If you do not, he will beggar you in
your old age, which God forbid!"

"I am far from sure that I can disentangle my affairs," said the Judge.

"There is nothing like trying, you know." Wallingford spoke in a tone of
encouragement. "And everything may depend on beginning in time. In what
way are you involved with him?"

It was some time before Judge Bigelow answered this direct question. He
then replied,

"Heavily in the way of endorsements."

"Of his individual paper?"

"Yes. Also of the paper of his firm."

"To an extent beyond your ability to pay if there should be failure on
their part?"

"Yes; to three times my ability to pay."

Wallingford dropped his eyes to the floor, and sat for some time. He
then looked up into Judge Bigelow's face, and said,

"If that be so, I can see only one way for you."

"Say on."

"Let no more endorsements be given from this