violation of the revenue law be regarded as such, though so grave in
its consequences. But he had faltered and died when he should not have
given way. What the world demands is success: and sometimes a devil
may secure this where a true man cannot. The world regarded Mr. Van
Dam and Mr. Goulden as very successful men.

Mr. Fox also had secured success by one adroit wriggle--we can
describe his mode of achieving greatness by no better phrase. He was
destined to receive half a million for his treachery to his employers.
During the war, when United States securities were at their worst;
when men, pledged to take them, forfeited money rather than do so, Mr.
Allen had lent the government millions, because he believed in it,
loved it, and was resolved to sustain it. That same government now
rewards him by putting it in the power of a dishonest clerk to ruin
him, and gives him $500,000 for doing so. Thus it resulted; for we are
compelled to pass hastily over the events immediately following Mr.
Allen's death. His partners made a good fight, showed that there was
no intention to violate the law, and that it was often difficult to
comply with it literally--that the sum claimed to be lost to the
government was ridiculously disproportionate to the amount
confiscated. But it was all in vain. There was the letter of the law,
and there were Mr. Fox and his associates in the custom-house, "all
honorable men," with hands itching to clutch the plunder.

But before this question was settled the fate of the stock operation
in Wall Street was most effectually disposed of. As soon as Mr.
Goulden heard of Mr. Allen's death, he sold at a slight loss all he
had; but his action awakened suspicion, and it was speedily learned
that the rise was due mainly to Mr. Allen's strong pushing, and the
inevitable results followed. As poor Mr. Allen's remains were lowered