The "interests" feared him, resented his judicial decisions and they had halted at nothing to accomplish their purpose.

How could he fight them back, what could he do to protect himself?
He had no proofs of a conspiracy, his enemies worked in the dark, there was no way in which he could reach them or know who they were.
He thought of John Burkett Ryder.

Ah, he remembered now.

Ryder was the man who had recommended the investment in Alaskan stock.

Of course, why did he not think of it before?
He recollected that at the time he had been puzzled at receiving so much stock and he had mentioned it to Ryder, adding that the secretary had told him it was customary.