The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1858-04-17
MY Gold Watch


The signature Of prominent mercantile
firm had been affixed 10 a check for fourteen
hundred aud iihy dollars, and odd cents the
latter item probably annexed 70 make II look
Ike a regular buaiRess Transaction,
The forgery was fonunptey discovered a
few hours aher the hank had paid the check,
the teller having an AFTER suspicion that all
was not right. The cheek was placed In my
hands by member Of the firm, to whose
counting groom ! had been summoned IL
was not very good imitation, and wonder
ed that the lellerhad not suspected the mis-
chief before. Hut the chance Of catching the
rascal was excellent, for the paper had been
forged at their desk, and before their own
eyes.
"lie was the most impudent Geoundrel l
ever met" said Mr., Lowe "You see the
desk there ?"
Il was large understanding desk. Up-
on the inner side was writing table, 81
which Mr.. Lowe usually sat.
"lle presented me letter Of introduction
from our London correspondent" continued
Mr. Lowe. Il gave him cordial greeting.
and he sat down by my side, and We ehAttsd
fan'ilarly for half on hour. lie then asked
mc several queslions concerning various lo-
c,lilics in the city, and seemed very particu-
lar in regard 70 the name Of firm With
whom he declared. he had business lie ross
/ from his chair and went to his desk on the
other side, and wrote down the directions l
gave him, ~ | supposed. Our checkbook
was open upon the desk, and instead of writ
| ing the directions he must have filed out
the check. The signature Of the firm was nt-
taclcd to several papers near him, ~ that he
had copy TO write from. Still talking to
me, he tore OF what now believe was the
check, and put It into his pocket"
"liow do you knoT he did this!
because ] missed check, and this just
fits where the lost one was torn out The
number is all right"
"Will you let me see the check hook ?"
Mr.. Lowe complied, and carefully scru-
tinized the nGe.-0n ,nne nf-ihe- checks /
found peculiar impression, which must have
been made by the sharp corner Of ring,
worn upon the little finger. The mark eI-
tended across the page and having by trial
assured myself that it was made by the per
son who had written the forged check, took
my leave. after entering in my memorandum
book particular description Of the rogue.
satisfied myself as to what manner he
must have held his pen TO make NO strong an
impression with the ring. The hand must
have been turned over 10 the right, and the
scrOichy appearance Of the writing confirmed
my view.
: IL was now -four O'Clock in the afternoon.
Knowing he must hc a magnificent rascal,
went directly Of the fremont house. and ex-
amined the registry. To my satisfaction,
found that sharp Serateh.mark of the ring
upon the book. Taking the pen, measured
the distance, in order TO determine which
.nanar Lad hern- -Wriiina-Ay =AiHs.-aad -kkea
upon that Of &c. Donaldson"
inquired for the gentleman. and learned
that he was just surfing for New York. lie
vas very puch engaged, and the clerk had
orders to deny him to his friends. But such
a friend ns was could not be denied went
up to his room and knocked. He came to
the door himself, and was satisfied that he
was the forgcr
"Iou nre my prisoner" l remarked, taking
the bracelets out Of my pocket
"Eh ?" said he, coolly. ms he stepped out
Of the room, and closed the door behind
him.
again stated my business, and he laughed
in my face. Itold him it was no use, land,
by the way, this is ~tercotyped phrase Tor
such oceasions)
"0f course, MIR. =, Haven't the pleasure
ofknowing your name, sir"
"Rawln."
"Of course, Mr.. Rawlin, VIII go with you.
But this is serious charge and my charae-
Ter is worth more To me Than the merchants
money is to him. will go with you; but
excuse me while tell my sister that business
will dctain me another day in the city,
"No you don't" said /, grusping him by
the collar. sa
"Pon my soul, you're uncommon suspicious.
You can see what a shock it would be to my
sister to learn of my arrest"
al will enter with you2 2p
"And frighten the poor girl out OF kcr
'en'es' can explain it to her so that she
will not suspect the cause of my detention.
Poor thing, she is very nervous. The shock
would kill her. or course, r shall return in
n little time, when you are satisfied Of your
mistake"
refused to lose sight Of him for nm instant
but he appealed so earnestly to my feelings
to spare his sister whose movements could
hear in the room, that began to wnvcr.
"You have made mistake. Here, take
my watch it is very valuable one, given
nc by dear friend, and would not part
with it for all the world. Take it, a, security
for my return"
took the watch and thrust il into nv