Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-09-18
A CLEVER FoRGER.
DepositiDg Money TO His Debtors Credit
i'm Order TO Get Out More.

From the Indian Planters Gazetta.
Some years ago a merchant engaged broker
to dispose of some stock to meet an urgent
demand for ready cash. The stock was
sold, but the owner had considerable difficulty
In getting the sale proceeds from the broker.
At last, driven to desperation, the merchant
threatened proceedings. The broker, after
making mental calculation, sat down and
drew check for the amount realized on ac-
count OF the stock sold, less per cent brokers'
commission, and handed il 10 the merchant
with many apologies for the delay. After this
both parted good friends. The transaction oc-
CURED in the early morning, and, as the mer-
chant wanted the money urgently. he pre-
sented the check at the bank without DELAY.
Guess his astonishment when the check was
handed back to him with the remark, ''Insufi-
Gent. The merchant was hurrying away
from the bank when he met Reid, the detec-
tive, coming up the stairs. He stopped the
latter and related how he had been "sold" by
the broker.
How much short OF the amount Of your
check stands the credit OF the broker at the
bank!' inquired the officer.
Il never asked, replied the merchant
tain"
The merchant did so, and soon returned with
the reply, Two hundred rupees"
Yes" was the reply.
Look here" said Reid. there are half a
dozen writs against the broker and he has only
given you this check knowing il would not be
paid in order 10 gain time. He will draw this
money himself before the day is out, and prob
ably bolt his creditors"
What is to be done!" exclaimed the mer.
chant, IN blank despair
just this" said Reid, as cool as a cucum-
Der; take pencil and piece of paper and
write IN hurried scrawl as l dictate: TO the
Secretary OF the - Bank. Dear sir: / have
just accidentally discovered that have drawn
check in favor OF - this morning. and
that my credit at the bank falls short of the
amount OF Rs. 200. / have sent this snm per
bearer to prevent disappointment should the
check be presented during the day. Now. {"
said Reid, as the merchant finished the note,
1.-THE brokers' initials"
The merchant looked up in astonishment
Never mind, said the officer. tits no offense
to pay money into the bank 70 a mans credit
though 1t would be to draw money out under a
forged document"
THIS advice overcame the merchants scruples
and the brokers' initials were duly attached
TO the letter and the money dispatched 10 the
bank; 1t was paid in without question being
asked. The check was afterward presented
aud paid in full. On gong down the
stairs the merchant met his friend the broker
coming up. The latter. on recognizing the
former, stopped suddenly, put his hand TO his
breast pocket and exclaimed Good God,
have forgotten my bank book" He then turned
on his heel, hurried from the bank and enter
ing tlcca gharry at the door hurried away.
he had come to draw from the bank the bals
ance at his credit, but seeing the man he had
Intended TO cheat he was afraid to encounter
him, never thinking for a moment that the in
tended dupe had then in his pocket every
piece the broker had at his credit OF course
the merchant lost 200 rupees over the trAnsac-
ton, but, as Reid explained, it was better 10
lose 200 than 5 600