Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/286

274 "After my brother and I had come pretty near to murder, I was still, as ever, in want of money. But this time it was Bernstein who came to me.

"'I hear you're pressed.' I complimented him on the correctness of his information. 'It's no good,' said he, 'peddling with hundreds. It's a good round sum you want to set you clear.' I admitted it; and wondered where the good round sum was coming from. 'I tell you what I'll do,' he said. 'You bring me five bills for a thousand each, with your brother's name on them, and I'll give you two thousand five hundred for the lot' I told him that it couldn't be done. I'd promised my brother that I wouldn't play any more tricks with his name, and I meant to keep my word. 'Ah,' he said, 'that's a pity.'"

"I said nothing of the kind. It is not to be believed; those who know me will tell you it is not to be believed. It is against my nature."

"'I think,' he continued, 'I know how it can be managed. I know a young fellow whom I'll introduce to you. You may find him of use. He's a first-rate penman.' 'Do you mean that he's an expert forger?' 'Lawrence,' cried Mr. Bernstein, 'you shouldn't use such words—you really shouldn't.'"

"You hear him admit it? I said, 'You should