The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-07-22


ting his brows.
The footman went off with this
message; and, soon after, raised
voices were heard in the hall, and
the episcopal butler entered the
room with an injured countenance
"He says he must see you; he is
in great anxiety"
Eyes, 1. am in great anxiety
said quavering voice at his ell
bow; and Mr.. Adams actually
pushed by the butler and stood
hat in hand, in those sacred pre-.
cincts. Pray excuse me, SIR" said
he, but 1t is very serious; l can't
be easy in my mind till l have put
you a question"
This Is a very extraordinary
conduct, SIR" said Mr.. rWardlaw
do you think l do business here
and at all hours?"
"Oh, no sir; it is my own bust.
ness. ! am come to ask you very
serious question. l couldn't wait
till morning with such a doubt on
my mind"
well, sir, I repeat this is irregu'
lar and extraordinary; but as you
are here, pray, what is the mat
teri"
"Sir, did you draw a note OF
hand today?" inquired Adams OF
the elder merchant.
II dare say did. Did you dis
count one signed by me-"
Yes, sir, we did"
"Well, sir, you have only to pre-
sent it at maturity. Wardlaw &
Son will provide for it, dare say
, This with the lofty nonchalance OF
a rich man, who had never broken
an engagement in his life.
"Ah, that l know they will If 1t is
all right; but suppose 1t is not?"
What dye mean?" asked Ward
law, with some establishment.
"Oh, nothing, sir! 1t bears your
signature, that is good for 20 times
the amount; and it Is Endorsed by
your cashier. Only what makes me
a little uneasy, your bills used to
be always on your own forms, and
SO l told my partner; he dis
counted 1t. Gentlemen, ! wish you
would Just look at It,"
"Of course we will look at 1t
Show 1t to Arthur first; his eyes
are younger than NINE"
Mr.. Adams took out large bill
book, extracted the note of hand
and passed 1t across the table tC
Wardlaw, jr. He took it up with q
sort of shiver, and bent his head
very low over 1t; then handed II
back in silence.
Adams took 1t to Wardlaw, ST.
and laid 1t before him. by the side
of Arthurs testamur.
The merchant inspected 1t with
his glasses.
1.-The writing Is mine. appar
emily"
Il am very glad Of It," said the
bill broker, eagerly.
stop Bit" said Mr.. Wardlaw
why, what is this? For $4,000!
and, as you say, not my form.
have signed no note for $4,000 this
week. Dated yesterday. You have
not cashed it, l hope?"
II am sorry to say my partner
has"
We'll. sir. not to keep you In
suspense, the thing is not worth
the stamp 1t is written on"
MIR. Wardlaw!-sir!-good hea
vens! Then 1t is as l feared. 1t Is
a forgery"
II should be puzzled to find any
other name for 1t. You need not
look so pale, Arthur. We cam
help some clever scoundrel initial
ing our hands; and as for you
Adams, you ought to have beer
more cautious"
But, sir, your cashiers name 4.
Penfold," faltered the holder
clinging to straw. MAY he no
have drawn-is the Endorsement
forged as well?"
Mr.. Wardlaw examined the bacl
OF the bill, and looked puzzled
NO." said he. my cashiers name
is Michael Penfold, but this is in
dorsed Robert Penfold.' DO 20,
hear, Arthur? Why. what is the
matter with you? You look like {
ghost. / say there is your tutors
name at the back of this forged
note. This is very strange. Jus
look. and tell me who wrote thes,
two words Robert Penfold'?"
Father" said young Wardlaw
imploringly, "for my sake. say n,
more tonight. Robert Penfold Il
incapable of a dishonest act"
1T becomes your years to thinl
so. young man. But l have live,
long enough to see what crimes re
spectacle men are betrayed into II
the hour of temptation. And, nov
think Of 1t, this Robert Penfold Il
In want of money. Did he not asl
me for loan Of $4,000? Was no
that the very sum? Can't you an
swer me? Why, the application
came through YOU"
| Receiving no reply from his sol
but sort of agonized stare, h
took out his pencil and wrote dow
Robert Penfold's address. This h
handed the bill broker. and CAV
him some advice in a whispe,
which christopher Adams receive
with a profusion of thanks, an
hustled away. leaving Wardlav
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