The trial which followed was perhaps the most exciting event in the history of Roma. The indictment of Mann involved that of eight others, all more or less prominent in city politics; and when the facts became known with regards to Mann's connection with all the events narrated by Fitzgerald, the citizens were unanimous in demanding his punishment. Although the documental evidence in the city hall had all been destroyed or secreted, there were plenty of witnesses ready to testify to what they knew, as soon as they felt safe in doing so; and although the stenographer's notes and Mary Snow's record of what took place while she was secreted in the closet during Vickery's proposals of graft to the mayor were not to be found, Mary's testimony was admitted. Gertrude Van Deusen and Newton Fitzgerald were the chief witnesses, however, and there were few of Mann's minions brave enough to stand by him in this emergency. The trial was not long, the jury was out fifteen minutes and the verdict was "guilty." When the judge pronounced the penalty, "Ten years in state's prison and the restitution of every dollar you have taken from or through the city," Mann collapsed from the red-faced, pompous official, into the pitiable wretch; and there were few to say a good word for him when court adjourned and the people gathered in knots to talk over the trial. The judge's sentence for the rest of the grafters--from one to ten years' imprisonment and complete restitution--met with hearty approval; and from that day municipal grafting suddenly declined in Roma, and honest politics began to be recognized. Vickery was heard from soon after in Japan, but the chief offenders having been convicted, there was no further interest in bringing him--an outsider and a tool--to justice. The Boulevard Railway scheme was never heard of more. As soon as the trial was fairly over and the delinquents safely lodged in jail, the Mayor called a meeting of the remaining councilmen. There were six vacancies--that number of Roma's aldermen being behind the bars of justice; and their places had to be filled. "How shall this be done?" she asked of them, after calling the meeting to order and stating its object. "The city charter provides for the filling of vacancies by the mayor; but the fathers who framed this charter could never have dreamed of this wholesale demand. I place it before you. Shall we select the best men for the places ourselves--for I should not dream of appointing any without suggestions from you--or shall we call a special election, and let these aldermen be chosen by the people for the unexpired term?" There were good arguments on both sides, and every man spoke his mind--for once, without fear or favor. At last Geoffrey Mason made the decisive speech: