One newspaper boldly stated that Judge Rossmore was down on the mining company's books for $50,000 more stock than he had paid for, and it went on to ask if this were payment for the favourable decision just rendered.

Rossmore, helpless, child-like as he was in business matters, now fully realized the seriousness of his position.

"My God! My God!" he cried, as he bowed his head down on his desk.

And for a whole day he remained closeted in his library, no one venturing near him.
As John Ryder sat there sphinx-like at the head of the directors' table he reviewed all this in his mind.

His own part in the work was now done and well done, and he had come to this meeting to-day to tell them of his triumph.
The speaker, to whom he had paid such scant attention, resumed his seat, and there followed a pause and an intense silence which was broken only by the pattering of the rain against the big windows.
The directors turned expectantly to Ryder, waiting for him to speak.