Tradespeople were rapidly losing the first bloom of innocence, and cheques from unknown customers were regarded with considerable suspicion. Marston with his capital and his process, and Brooks with his connection and experience, saw means of converting what was at present a drug in the market into a highly remunerative investment. Brooks was to be the working partner, Marston was to be the capitalist and secret director, and the two together were to be ‘Smith and Co.’ A small furnished office was to be taken, a week’s rent being paid in advance, and a clerk was to be secured by advertisement. The clerk was required to present the cheques. If the operation was successful, Smith and Co. would vacate their office at once, and turn up in another part of the City, ready to go on again. If the operation failed, the clerk would be detained. Smith and Co. would take precautions to have an early knowledge of the fact, and it is hardly probable that the manager would be found at his office on the return of the clerk, accompanied by the police. Such was the nature of the business of the firm in whose service Mr. George Smith hoped to rise to a position of independence. It is needless to say that he played the _rôle_ intended for him. He was merely an innocent tool in the hands of the clever rogues. George had only presented one cheque for the firm at present. It was for £250, and drawn by Blumson and Co. George brought the money back all right, and the next day he was sent to an office of the firm in quite a different part of the City. Now, when Mr. Boss Knivett delivered the cheque-book stolen from the tail-pocket of Mr. Limpet, junior, to Mr. Preene, who in due course handed it over to Mr. Brooks, the latter gentleman found it necessary to consult the senior partner. Mr. Brooks had no knowledge of the signature of Messrs. Grigg and Limpet. He called at Eden Villa early the next morning and laid the case before Mr. Marston. ‘We must get the firm’s signature somehow, and then run the cheque for £500. Lawyers keep big balances; they’ve always a lot of their clients’ money.’ ‘That’s all very well,’ said Mr. Brooks, removing the wig and gold spectacles, in which he generally went abroad when there Was any reason why he should avoid recognition; ‘but how are we to get the signature?’ ‘I have it!’ exclaimed Marston, after thinking a moment. ‘Go and buy a shilling bill-stamp, and give me your acceptance in your own name and at your private address for £100. Date it four months back, and draw it for three, so that it will be a month overdue now.’ Mr. Brooks didn’t quite see what the senior partner’s idea was, but he did as he was requested. He went out and purchased a shilling stamp in the neighbourhood, and returned to Eden Villa to fill it up and accept it in accordance with Marston’s instructions. ‘Now,’ said Marston, when it was finished, ‘leave the rest to me.’