St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-09-29
The BANKERS BROTHER.
The Story of Detected ForgeryBy Sir Gilbert E. Camp
bell, Bart.

All Crumplebury knew Silas ParteA,
the banker, and for the matter of that,
his brother Paul, who had lived with
Silas ever since his return from sea, five
years ago. The brothers bore great
resemblance to each other in features
and appearance, while their being of
the same height and always dressing
alike in suit of dark gray, completed the
resemblance. Together. of course, the
difference between them was easily to
be recognized, but apart strangers fire.
quently fell into error respecting their
identity. -
Marlake Friars was snug, comfort
able house of the Queen Anne period.
with white facing which shone out brill
iantly against the somewhat dull hue
of the red brick walls. On the front
wall on the right hand side of the gate
way was door which opened directly
into Si1as Partell's sanctum in the bank.
which was handsome, newly erected
building, facing the high street. The
banker was, therefore, enabled to enter
his place of business whenever he liked
without the necessity of going into the
street.
The only thing which initiated at all
against Silas Partell's complete enjoy
ment was that he was subject to strange
comatose seizures, which came on at
regular intervals. When one of these
paroXysms laid hold of him, and he
generally had warning of it's coming, he
would retire to his study, and after Civ
ing strict orders that he was not to be
disturbed, cast himself on couch and
fall into state of unconsciousness,
from which he would awake as fresh
and hearty as If nothing at all had oe-
CURED. OF late he had not taken
very active part Ill the manage
ment of the bank, having relegated
that duty to faithful old clerk who had
been with him many years. The cashier
of the bank, also an old and tried ser
want of the firm, had recently left to ac-
cept the managerShip of an East Indian
bank, and his place had been filled up
had come down from town with the
highest testimonials as to honesty and
efficiency.
The brothers were sitting in pleas
ant breakfast room overlooking the gar
dens. The morning meal was over and
the men were wrapped in that state of
warm contentment which tobacco pro-
duces after hearty meal.
Silas. though his cheeks were very
pale, looked perfectly happy, but there
were traces of uneaSineSS about the
corners of PauFs mouth, and a nervous
clenching and unclenching of the fin
gers, which betokened that his mind was
ill at ease.
''Silas," said he at length, throwing
his unfinished cigar into the empty
CRATE, 81 want to talk to you.''
always pleased to do so. brother
Paul." answered Silas placldly, sex
cept on the one subject, which [ said
had better not be a matter of conversa-
ton between us some months ago."
''But it is precisely upon that subject
we must talk" burst out Paul. "Silas,
Silas. will you not reconsider your
determination"
"Have you ever heard any one say
word against Marion Denzil?"
II have no wish to meet the young
lady," observed Silas Partell, 'tand /
can only say that you shall not marry
an actress with my consent"
cit is ungenerous of you to say so.
Silas," said Paul, an angry flush rising
to his cheek. ''Come, listen to me. /
have been a burden to you too long. In
the new canal works at Rotherton, il l
can take $4,000 worth Of shares. can
get superintendent berth, and the
pay, though small, will be sufficient,
with my pension, for Marion and my
self. Will you advance me that sum,
holding the shares as security?"
Il would advance you double that
sum without any security at ALL" an
swered Silas, rising from his seat and
laying his hand kindly upon his broth
er's arm, ''but not for your marriage
hot
SOnable. l dareSay you are tired of this
life of inaction. / will find you some
thing better to do than the superintend-
entShip you talk of, or if you want to
marry and settle down there are plenty
of pretty girls in Crumplebury with four
or five thousand pounds pinned to their
SkirtS''
ButPaul would not be Modified by his
brothers kind words, and dashing his
hand angrlly aside he sprang through
the open window and was lost to sight
IN the leafy recesses of the garden.
Silas gazed after him sorrowfully.
HE is infatuated" murmured he,
shut such a marriage shall not take
place with my consent. Dear me-" ne
added, passing his hand across his
brow, Il feel one of the old attacks
coming on" and ringing the bell he
was conducted by the man servant to
his study, where, after f1inging himself
OH the couch, he fell into a state of I'M
consciousness after a few minutes had
passed.
Next morning Paul Partell did no
make his appearance at the breakfaS
table, and Silas, though much discom-
posed, was too proud to make inquiries
from the servants regarding his
brother. He had quite recovered from
the effects of his seizure of the day
before, and according to his custom
walked over to the bank to see how
matters were going on. After a few
words with the manager he began to
look over the books, but hardly had he
done so than he uttered sharp ex-
clamation of surprise.
"How did this absurd mistake get in
to the books?" said he, angrily. ssHere
is my account debited yesterday with
two thousand bounds"
As reply the manager produced a
check, which Silas carried to the win
dow and inspected it attentively.
''This is wonderful imitation of nv
signature" said he, "but l will swear
that did not sign this check. Who pre-
Sented this?"
He spoke in hard, cold tones. and the
manager foresaw terrible evil close at
hand.
"Oh, SIR" faltered he. laying his hand
timidly on the bankers arm, lido not ask
me that or any other question:
This is mere childishness." answered
the banker. 'Who presented this
checker
paul ParteH, if you must have it,,
answered the old man. ''Great heavens
sir. be calm," he added. for upon hear
ing his answer Silas turned lIyid and
eemed about to faint. =
Silas Partell, by strong effort, re-
covered his possession. Ibid YOU
see Mr.. Paul?" asked he. :
Il did not, SIR" answered the man
ager, ''but yelling did" d
THAT is sufficient" answered the
banker; "let me recommend the most
| absolute discretion, and do not mention
what has occurred to soul until You
| hear further from me-" q
With slow and heavy steps Silas quit
ted the bank. and upon entering his
| house desired the servant to inform MIR.