“coppers” especially being the object of attack.  The market closed feverishly and the next day the same tactics were pursued.  From the opening, on selling orders coming from no one knew where, prices fell to nothing, a stampede followed and before long it became a panic.  Pandemonium reigned on the floor of the Stock Exchange.  White faced, dishevelled brokers shouted and struggled like men possessed to execute the orders of their clients.  Big financial houses, which stood to lose millions on a falling market, rallied and by rush orders to buy, attempted to stem the tide, but all to no purpose.  One firm after another went by the board unable to weather the tempest, until just before closing time, the stock ticker announced the failure of the Great Northwestern Mining Co.  The drive in the market had been principally directed against its securities, and after vainly endeavoring to check the bear raid, it had been compelled to declare itself bankrupt.  It was heavily involved, assets nil, stock almost worthless.  It was probable that the creditors would not see ten cents on the dollar.  Thousands were ruined and Judge Rossmore among them.  All the savings of a lifetime—­nearly $55,000 were gone.  He was practically penniless, at a time when he needed money most.  He still owned his house in Madison Avenue, but that would have to go to settle with his creditors.  By the time everything was paid there would only remain enough for a modest competence.  As to his salary, of course he could not touch that so long as this accusation was hanging over his head.  And if he were impeached it would stop altogether.  The salary, therefore, was not to be counted on.  They must manage as best they could and live more cheaply, taking a small house somewhere in the outskirts of the city where he could prepare his case quietly without attracting attention.

Stott thought this was the best thing they could do and he volunteered to relieve his friend by taking on his own hands all the arrangements of the sale of the house and furniture, which offer the judge accepted only too gladly.  Meantime, Mrs. Rossmore went to Long Island to see what could be had, and she found at the little village of Massapequa just what they were looking for—­a commodious, neatly-furnished two-story cottage at a modest rental.  Of course, it was nothing like what they had been accustomed to, but it was clean and comfortable, and as Mrs. Rossmore said, rather tactlessly, beggars cannot be choosers.  Perhaps it would not be for long.  Instant possession was to be had, so deposit was paid on the spot and a few days later the Rossmores left their mansion on Madison Avenue and took up their residence in Massapequa, where their advent created quite a fluster in local social circles.