Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-04-18
From London TRUTH
GODFREY DENYER'S PENANCE,

When young Godfrey Denyer repudi-
ated his signature to check for large
amount, drawn in favor of bis friend
Captain Wrake, he did not for moment
anticipate the serious consequences
which ensued. His object was simply
to gain time to arrange matters with the
captain, for the truth was that he had
not the money to meet his draft. He
was SO extremely inexperienced and I'M
busIness-hke that he did not imagine for
an instant that his BANKERS had any
cause Of complaint in the matter. he
thought they would simply return the
check to Captain Wrake's agents, with
an intimation that there was an infor-
mallty ID 1t. And he was so staggered
and Mortified by theamount of the check
that he eagerly adopted the suggestion
Of the clerk who waited upon him from
the bank, that the signature was for
gerry, by way of temporarily extricating
himself from embarrassment. To an
ordinary observer there certainly seemed
something wrong about the signature,
but Godfrey Denyer, bearing In mind
the state he was In when he wrote the
check, was not surprised that his hand
writing should have been eccentric. The
transaction took place at supper party
at Captain Wrake's rooms a few nights
previously, on which occasion young
Denyer dlmly recollected having played
wrecklessly at cards for high stakes, but
as TO what he had lost, and even how he
had found his way home afterwards, his
memory was a perfect blank.
Godfrey Denyer was a very foolish
young man. He was. III fact, one of
those vain, silly, wealz-minded youths
whose chief ambition is TO lead the life
Of a fast man about town. Unfortu-
nately he had no near relatives to inter-
fere with his tastes and pursuits, while
small fortune which he had inherited
on attaining his majority enabled him
for brief period to indulge in every
folly and extravaganza. But he was not
naturally either vicious or profigate,
though he aspired to be taken to be SO,
and consequently the idea of having in
Cured debt of honor which he was TN
able to pay filed him with dismay.
When the bank clerk had left, taking
the fatal check away, Godfrey Denyer at
once set forth to seek Captain Wrake,
feeling deeply distressed and Inundated
but by no means conscious of the helm
BUSINESS of the lie he had told
Captain Wrake was not to be found,
either at his chambers or at his club,
and after rushing about with feverish
anxiety to various places IN search oil
him young Denyer returned to his own
rooms tired and disheartened. A hand
some cab was at the door, and as he en-
tered he ran against rather pompouf
elderly gentleman, who at once accosteo
him.
MIR. Denyer, I believer"
Yes" replied Godfrey.
. must ask you to be good enough
TO come with me at once, }" replied the
gentleman, whose tone and manner were
unpleasantly peremptory. II am Mr.
Grantley, the solicitor for Messrs. x.
Co., your bankers.
: What for? What do you want witt
me?" demanded Godfrey, uneasily, al
Mr. Grantly led the way TO the cab.
"Jump IN. I viii explain as we &C
along. | shan't detain you many min
utes, said the solicitor, taking him by
the arm.
Young Denyer entered the cab, anC
Mr.. GRAVITY got in after him, having frs
given brief direction to the driver. Al
they ratified over the stones the solicitor
briefly explained that he was going tt
apply for a warrant against Captain
Wrake III connection with the check, al
the bank had determined to prosecute.
Prosecute? What for?" exclaimed
Godfrey Denyer, startled out of hi
senses.
Forgery. 1t was most impuden
attempt" said Mr. GRAVITY, CURLY.
''But-but Captain Wrake is FRIEND
of mine" faltered young Denyer. 'fEv
.erything can be explained.
He wilt have an opportunity of ex
planning" said the solicitor in rather al
ironical tone. :" am sorry to hear b.
Is 9 friend OF yours. | ana afraid you