Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1890-01-02
A CLEVER FORGERY.
Depositing Money to his Debtors Credit In
Order - Get Out More.

Some years ago amerchant engaged a
broker to dispose of some stock to meet
an urgent demand for ready cash. The
stock was sold but the owner had con-
siderable difficulty in getting the sale
proceeds from the broker. At last,
driven to desperation the merchant
threatened proceedings. The broker,
after making a mental calculation, sat
down and drew check for the amount
realized on account of the stock sold,
less per cent brokers' commission,
and handed it to the merchant with
many apologies for the delay After
this both parted good friends. The
transaction occurred in the early
morning, and, as the merchant want
ed the money urgently, he presented
the check at the bank without de-
Law. Guess his establishment when
the check was handed back to him
with the remark, insufficient" The
merchant was hurrying away from
the bank when he met REID, the de-
tective, 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?n inquired the Of
ficer.
Il never asked" replied the mer-
chant
Very good" said Reid, go back
and ascertain"
The merchant did so, and soon re-
turned with the reply. Two hundred
rupees" -,
And the check is for five thousand?'
Yes, - was the reply.
Look here said Reid, there are
half q dozen writs against the broker,
and he has only given you this check
knowing it would not be paid in order
to gain time He viii draw this mon
ev himself before the day is out and
probably bolt from his creditors
What is to be done" exclaimed the
merchant, in blank despair.
Just this" said Reid, as cool as a
cucumber; take pencil and piece Of
paper and write in hurried scrawl as
/ dictate: To the Secretary Of the -
Bank. Dear Sir: have just accident
" discovered that / have drawn a
check in favor of - this morning,
and that my credit at the bank falls
short of the amount by Rs. 200, l have
sent this sum per bearer to prevent dis
appointment should the check be pre-
sented during the day Now said
Reid. as the merchant finished the note,
1.-THE brokers' initials.
The merchant looked up in astonish-
ment. Never mind. said the Off
Ger. its no offense to pay money into
the bank to a mans credit though it
would be to draw money out under a
forged document.
This advice oyercame the merchants
scruples. and the brokers initials were
duly attached to the letter, and the
money despatched TO the bank. II was
paid In without a question being asked.
The cheek was aftcrward presented
and paid in foil. On going down the
stairs the merchant me. hi, friend the
broker coming mp. The latter, ON rec
uguiziuz the former stopped suddenly,
uut hi- 1agd 90 his breast pocket and
exelaimep. Good God, | have for
r0tteu mr bank book. He then
Turned ua hf- heel hurried from the
bank. and entering 3 ticca ga4rE at
the door hurried Away. he had come
to draw from the bank the balance Al
his credit. but seeing the man he had
intended to cheat he was afraid to en-
counter him. not thinking for moment
that the intended dupe had then in his
pocket every pice the broker had 81 his
/ credit. OF course. The merchant lost
200 RUPEES ofer the transaction l1at as
/ Reid explained IL Wa- better 81 lose
3O1 than 5.0g In42u P.aiters Ja-