The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-11-10

my chemical knowledge came into play.
| remembered that Alexnn nder Bolton WI.
I a chemist; and alsJ remembered that an
/ ammonia and chloride Of zinc, in certain
proportions. which had a fresh, reddish
tinge and that il would fade out entirely In
four deys, leaving no mark on the paper
used it to swindle the mechanic out Of bis
earnings.
The more considered this subject, the
more became convinced that such was
the case. The note had been written with
fading ink
But there was another chemical secret
which probably Bolton did not know as I
had discovered II myself by accident. This
treacherous ink, on failing out, leaves the
zinc in invisible atoms on the paper, so that
every line traced may be restored by the
application Of a certain solution of sulphate
of iron aud hydrate Of calcium. sn, no
sooner had Mr.. Campbell LEFT my office
than hurried to drug store, where Oh
tanned the solution.
Returning to my ofilce,I saturated piece
Of blotting paper with a drop Of 1t, and ap.
piled it In a corner ofthe blank paper. The
result made me jump up, clap my hands
and yell with delight, tor fresh and clear
the dollar came out, knew not what
hidden words the paper contained, and |
placed it IN my poke bnok. corked up the
vial-which was destined to prove a vial of
wrath 10 Mr.. Bolton-nnd went immedi-
ately, and brought suit against him for the
recovery Of the amount OF the note, with in
terest and costs.
A few days later, Alexander Bolton stood
at the bar of justice, to answer in his own
behalf. 1t seemed so easy to him, that he
did not deem it necessary to employ any
counsel.
Mr.. Campbell swore to the facts he had
related to me concerning the loan. Mr..
Bolton answered, on oath, that he had no
recollection of ever borrowing any money
of the plaintiff. II he aid, where was the
note? He would thank anybody to pro-
duce it.
"Your honor" said !, addressing the
Judge, al think can produce the note in
question"
81 understood you that Il was not TO be
found" said Judge D., somewhat sur
prsed.
at has never been lost" said, as took
from my pocket the blank slip Of paper,
and passed it to him. "This is It,"
az hope you are not trifling with the
court" he said, as he glanced at both sides
and perceived that il was blank.
al am not, your honor," said ], as pro-
ceeded at once to explain To him the chem
ical fact have already described
I watched Alexander Bolton as did so
and noticed that he turned very pale When
vial containing the solution, saturated O
piece OF blotting paper with 1t, and pressed
it upon the blank slip of paper that lay up'
on the judges desk.
A few seconds left itso, then lifted il
up, confident of the result; and ! was no,
disappointed.
The blank slip Of paper was suddenly
transformed into promisory note, every
word, letter and figure, as clear as sum
shine.
1t was a note Of six thousand dollars with
a years interest just due, drawn in favor o
William Campbell, and tho signature o
Alexander Bolton was at the bottom Of It.
The judge gazed with amazement, from
the note toward Alexander Bolton, just il
time to discover that that tricky gentleman
was skulkinG away toward the door.
At the judges order he was brought bacI
by an officer, and informed that he woulC
have something more to answer for thar
the amount Of the loan, interest ard casts.
And so he had Abashed and terrified a
the discovery of his unsuccessful swind|e
and in hopes of propitiatng the court. be a
once gave his check Tor the amount du
Mr.. Campbell, and paid the costs.
In view of his confession, he was let Of
with two years imprisonment, and don
suppose he will ever dabble in invisible iul
again.
This. my first case, attracted considerabl
notice, and | haYe never since had I
lounge in my office and yearn for clients.