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been carefully considered and overruled, the majority of the court being entirely satisfied with
the propriety of the conviction, both upon the law and the evidence. Your offense was one of
more than usual gravity, the more so that the large amount of money which you obtained
belonged to the city. And it was aggravated by the fact that you had in addition thereto
unlawfully used and converted to your own use several hundred thousand dollars of the loan
and money of the city. For such an offense the maximum punishment affixed by the law is
singularly merciful. Nevertheless, the facts in connection with your hitherto distinguished
position, the circumstances under which your failure was brought about, and the appeals of your
numerous friends and financial associates, will be given due consideration by this court. It is not
unmindful of any important fact in your career." Payderson paused as if in doubt, though he
knew very well how he was about to proceed. He knew what his superiors expected of him.
"If your case points no other moral," he went on, after a moment, toying with the briefs, "it will at
least teach the lesson much needed at the present time, that the treasury of the city is not to be
invaded and plundered with impunity under the thin disguise of a business transaction, and that
there is still a power in the law to vindicate itself and to protect the public.
"The sentence of the court," he added, solemnly, the while Cowperwood gazed unmoved, "is,
therefore, that you pay a fine of five thousand dollars to the commonwealth for the use of the
county, that you pay the costs of prosecution, and that you undergo imprisonment in the State
Penitentiary for the Eastern District by separate or solitary confinement at labor for a period of
four years and three months, and that you stand committed until this sentence is complied with."
Cowperwood's father, on hearing this, bowed his head to hide his tears. Aileen bit her lower lip
and clenched her hands to keep down her rage and disappointment and tears. Four years and
three months! That would make a terrible gap in his life and hers. Still, she could wait. It was
better than eight or ten years, as she had feared it might be. Perhaps now, once this was really
over and he was in prison, the Governor would pardon him.
The judge now moved to pick up the papers in connection with Stener's case, satisfied that he
had given the financiers no chance to say he had not given due heed to their plea in
Cowperwood's behalf and yet certain that the politicians would be pleased that he had so nearly
given Cowperwood the maximum while appearing to have heeded the pleas for mercy.
Cowperwood saw through the trick at once, but it did not disturb him. It struck him as rather
weak and contemptible. A bailiff came forward and started to hurry him away.
"Allow the prisoner to remain for a moment," called the judge.
The name, of George W. Stener had been called by the clerk and Cowperwood did not quite
understand why he was being detained, but he soon learned. It was that he might hear the
opinion of the court in connection with his copartner in crime. The latter's record was taken.
Roger O'Mara, the Irish political lawyer who had been his counsel all through his troubles, stood
near him, but had nothing to say beyond asking the judge to consider Stener's previously
honorable career.
"George W. Stener," said his honor, while the audience, including Cowperwood, listened
attentively. "The motion for a new trial as well as an arrest of judgment in your case having been
overruled, it remains for the court to impose such sentence as the nature of your offense
requires. I do not desire to add to the pain of your position by any extended remarks of my own;
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