The Forgery; or, Best Intentions.James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
General
The Forgery; or, Best Intentions.
James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
Fiction
"I wish you would take that, my dear boy, to my bankers', and ask to
see Mr. Stolterforth, the head partner. You know Mr. Stolterforth, I
think?"
"Oh, very well," replied the lad.
"Well, then, give him that, and say I should feel very much obliged to
him if he will let me have a thousand pounds upon it. He will do it
directly, I am sure, and perhaps may offer to discount it; for it is
for eighteen hundred, and has only seven days to run; but you may tell
him I do not want to put it into circulation--because, you see, it was
given by Mr. Scriven in settlement of an account which is not yet
finally made up, and there may be some difference, I do not know
what--a few hundred pounds--you understand?"
Mr. Hayley's hand shook a good deal as he gave the lad the paper, and
he seemed to think it needed some explanation; for, when Henry replied
that he understood perfectly, his father added, "It annoys me very
much to do this at all; for if Scriven were to know it, my credit
would be seriously injured by it. You may tell Mr. Stolterforth that,
and mind you let him know I do not want it to get into circulation."
Henry promised to do so, and putting on his hat again, he walked
quietly away to the bankers'. Being well known there, he was admitted
at once to the head partner, showed him the accepted bill, and
delivered his message calmly and accurately. The banker at once agreed
to do what was required; asked him several questions, indeed, which he
could not answer, but showed no hesitation; and after one or two
formalities, gave him the money, which he chose to have principally in
gold, thinking it might be more convenient for his father's payments.
Henry then got into a hackney-coach and drove away. Mr. Hayley was
dreadfully pale when his son returned to him, but he seemed rejoiced
to see the money, and immediately proceeded to speak of Henry's
journey. He gave him twenty pounds in gold, and then added fifty
pounds in five-pound notes, which Henry would fain have declined,
saying he could have no use for them; but Mr. Hayley urged that
accidents might occur, and impressed upon him strongly that he must be
up before that day week, adding, "Should it be necessary, take a
chaise, for time may be more valuable than money."
The lad's portmanteau was soon packed up, some dinner was provided for
him, and at the proper hour he set out for the coach-office, took his
seat, and was carried away from London.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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