“Right, so far,” said Mr. Wallingford, at the expiration of the time in which most of the paper bearing Judge Bigelow’s name reached its maturity.  “And now for the next safe move in this difficult game, where the odds are still against us.  You must get out of this Bank.”

The Judge looked gravely opposed.

“It may awaken suspicion that something is wrong, and create a run upon the Bank, which would be ruin.”

“Can you exercise a controlling influence in the position you hold?  Can you be true, as President of the Clinton Bank, to the public interest you represent?”

“I cannot.  They have made of me an automaton.”

“Very well.  That settles the question.  You cannot honorably hold your place a single day.  There is only one safe step, and that is to resign.”

“But the loose way in which I held office will be exposed to my successor.”

“That is not the question to consider, Judge—­but the right.  Still, so far as this fear is concerned, don’t let it trouble you.  The choice of successor will fall upon some one quite as facile to the wishes of Ralph Dewey & Company as you have been.”

The good counsels of Mr. Wallingford prevailed.  At the next meeting of the Board of Directors, the resignation of Judge Bigelow was presented.  Dewey had been notified two days before of what was coming, and was prepared for it.  He moved, promptly, that the resignation be accepted.  As soon as the motion was carried, he offered the name of Joshua Kling, the present Cashier, for the consideration of the Board, and urged his remarkable fitness.  Of course, Mr. Joshua Kling was elected; and his place filled by one of the tellers.  To complete the work, strong complimentary resolutions, in which deep regret at the resignation of Judge Bigelow was expressed, were passed by the Board.  In the next week’s paper, the following notice of this change in the officers of the Bank appeared: 

“Resignation of Judge Bigelow.—­In consequence of the pressure of professional engagements, our highly esteemed citizen Judge Bigelow, has found it necessary to give up the office of President in the Clinton Bank, which he has held with so much honor to himself since the institution commenced business.  He is succeeded by Joshua Kling, Esq., late Cashier; a gentleman peculiarly well-fitted for the position to which he has been elevated.  Harvey Weems, the first Teller, takes the place of Cashier.  A better selection, it would be impossible to make.  From the beginning, the affairs of this Bank have been managed with great prudence, and it is justly regarded as one of the soundest in the State.”

“My dear friend,” said the grateful Judge, grasping the hand of Wallingford, who called his attention to this notice, “what a world of responsibility you have helped me to cast from my shoulders!  I am to-day a happier man than I have been for years.  The new President is welcome to all the honor his higher position may reflect upon him.”