The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-11-05

certain bank In New YORK Wnere All
derson knew Pierson kept an average
balance Of 5000 he used for margins
on stock operations. The rascals were
to 70 to New York together to perpe-
trate the swindle. One thing Lowering
insisted on, to which Anderson de-
murred-LOvering claimed that since
he would do the forging he'alone would
be guilty. Anderson could throw the
whole burden on him. Lowering also
changed bis mind about the method OF
drawing the money. Resembling Pier
son so closely, he would need no iden-
tification at the bank. He could pre-
sent the check with certainty that 1t
would be paid without question. He
therefore required Anderson to write
him a proposition to get $4,000 out Of
Pierson by forging his name and imper-
sonating him. Lowering refused to pro-
ceed with the matter until Anderson
gave him this paper, and Anderson
finally consented.
The conspirators. parted to meet In
New York on a certain day in Septem-
Der. Anderson went first in order to
investigate Persons bank account with
a view to determining IL 1t would stand
a draft upon it such as was meditated.
Anderson wished to defer the execution
of the paper Lowering required till the
time of drawing the money, but Low
6fing refused to 60 to New York at all
without the paper in his possession.
He succeeded in convincing his pal that
a proposition to perpetrate fraud was
not in the eye Of the law the same as
perpetrating a fraud. Indeed, there
was a great difference. This removed
Anderson's objections so far as to In
duce him to sign the paper.
When the day appointed came round
Anderson and Lowering met in the lob
by of New York hotel.
"Well." said Lowering, what do you
knowY'
Il know that certain lady on whom
Pierson has long been sweet Is In the
city. Therefore it is probable that Pier
son himself is not far Oh, though he's
not 80 thick with her as he was'-
you mean since you broke up the in
timacy between them?"
"Well, that's about 1t"
"How could you, crook, prejudice a
lady against gentleman"
"I've never been in scheme like this
before. belong to good family"
"Well, never mind your family. What
have you found out about Persons 8
bank balance?"
"He had over $4,000 in bank yester-
day"
How did you find it out?"
"I'm in with one of the bookkeepers. !"
"Ah! You are Well, did you get one
Of the banks blank checks?'
Eyes. Here 1t is"
out several blank checks. "The only
risk" he said, "is this-Pierson's checks
have printed numbers on them. The
teller may notice this is not numbered"
"Ill fix that by calling for one of the
banks checks and signing 1t right there
before him"
Good! never thought of that. Then
you can pay me my share, and he'll
think you drew the money for a special
purpose"
The same afternoon the two men en-
tered the bank where Pierson kept his
account. lowering went to the paying
teller's window and said:
Goodwin, give me blank check. l
want some money"
"All right. Mr.. Person" And he
handed the bit OF paper through the
window.
Lowering took 1t to a shelf where
were writing materials and wrote the
check and signed it with as firm a hand
as If he were drawing his own money.
You're cool one." said Anderson.
who was trembling like leaf.
Lowering presented the check and
asked for the money in $500 bills. The
two men waited till the sum was
counted, then received it through the
teller's window.
As they left the bank Anderson drew
a long breath. You did that splendid.
ly," he said. How could you keen
your nerve?'
"An honest mans nerve is never
strained by his conscience" replied the
other. 81 drew my own money"
What do you meanT" asked Ander-
/ son, starting.
II am Richard Pierson, the man
whom your lying tongue separated
from Virginia Markland. You needn't
shiver; you are in no danger | have
simply got you down In black and
white that you are a swindler. How you
ever fooled lady of Mrs. Markland's 5
good sense is a mystery to me, though
l must admit you are as plausible n
rascal as ever met. Now 60 before |
kick you down these steps"
Anderson lost no time In obeying the
order, and Pierson, re-entering the
bank, deposited the money he had
drawn.
| That evening he sent a card up to
Virginia Markland, who was STAYING
at one of the uptown hotels. On ii was
written, Il have an explanation to
| make" He met the lady I'm her parIor